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.