Perhaps Edge of Sanity's most lauded recording, Crimson is really a single 40-minute song/concept record that is perhaps one of the most interesting achievements in death metal -- a genre that generally doesn't lend itself to obscure pursuits. Generally, every death metal disc is conceptual in its single-minded focus on destruction (of life, God, art, ideas, and, especially, rock), but Crimson is different in that it delivers lyrical nuance and consistent musical themes from front to back. Often thought of as the essential Edge of Sanity disc, Crimson features the classic band lineup of Dan Swano on vocals, guitarists Dread and Sami Nerberg, Benny Larsson on drums, and Anders Lundberg on bass. Equal parts sprawling, orchestral epic and downright heavyweight slugfest, this "song" tears at many metal preconceptions. A challenging effort, Crimson is a must-have for all death metal fans. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
Edge of Sanity (Main Performer), Maren Lotz (Design), Maren Lotz (Layout Design), Dan Swanö (Guitar (Acoustic)), Dan Swanö (Guitar), Dan Swanö (Guitar (Rhythm)), Dan Swanö (Keyboards), Dan Swanö (Vocals), Dan Swanö (Engineer), Dan Swanö (Digital Editing), Dan Swanö (Mastering), Dan Swanö (Mixing), Dan Swanö (Cover Art Concept), Benny Larsson (Drums), Benny Larsson (Inspiration), Mikael Åkerfeldt (Guitar), Mikael Åkerfeldt (Vocals), Andreas Axelsson (Guitar), Borje Forsberg (Executive Producer), Anders Mareby (Cello), Duncan C. Storr (Artwork), Duncan C. Storr (Cover Art), Sami Nerberg (Guitar), Anders Lindberg (Bass), Andreas (Harmony), Björn Schrenk (Promotions Director)
Hamilton, Ontario-based power pop group Crimson consists of Scott Bell (guitar, vocals), John Connolly (guitar, vocals), Eman Ali (bass), and Dan Fila (drums). Their five-song, self-titled cassette was produced by Matthew Gerrard. ~ Gina Boldman, All Music Guide
The album tells the story of a world where humans no longer can beget children. Into this time of despair a child is born to the King and Queen of the barren Earth. The Queen dies in the childbirth, and the King is left to rule the Earth and raise his daughter on his own. The people think the child is a sign that God will give them back the ability to reproduce, but the child grows into a teenager and humanity remains infertile. In time, the King dies and men fight over his throne.
The new King crushes rebellions against his illegitimate rule and is generally hated by the populace. Eventually they persuade the Child to lead a coup. As she is left alone to plan, the forces of evil beckon to her. She accepts an unholy Master and gains mighty magical powers. She slays the false King easily and begins ruling Earth. The people watch her obsessively, because it was thought that by restoring the rightful ruler they might be returned the gift of breeding. But the new Queen misleads the people, and slays the elders who the humans had preserved for their wisdom. Word of this gets out and a group of rebels gathers to stop her. They find a way to neutralize her power (by blinding her) and then place her in the same preservative tank of "crimson fluid" that the elders were kept in.
