HeraldTribune.com (www.heraldtribune.com) has issued the following report from Rod Harmon: Among prog-metal lovers, the Sarasota-Bradenton band CRIMSON GLORY is semi-legendary, a rival to QUEENSRYCHE and TOOL - especially in Europe, where its out-of-print albums are highly sought collectors' items.

It's been six years since the band released its last album, and 16 years since it performed with its classic lineup.

That will change in 2006, when CG celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first album with reissues of its back catalog, new releases of rare audio and video, and live performances, says founder/guitarist Jon Drenning.

"There's a tremendous amount of loyal fans around the world who love this band, and they're making it possible for this to happen, because they keep demanding more material from Crimson Glory," Drenning said.

Drenning has reassembled original members Midnight (lead vocals), Ben Jackson (guitar) and Jeff Lords (bass). The drummer has yet to be announced.

The reunion will include:

Remastered reissues of the band's self-titled first CD, originally released in 1986, Transcendence (1988) and Astronomica (1999), all on Black Lotus Records. All will contain previously unreleased tracks; Astronomica may include Midnight's vocals for the first time and a new video shot at the pyramids in Egypt.

A DVD featuring never-before-released live footage, including a 1989 concert at the Manatee Civic Center.

An anthology box set, Valley Of Shadows, Kingdoms Of Light."

Live performances at various European festivals.

In addition, Drenning has signed a side deal with Black Lotus to distribute CDs by unknown American bands in Europe. Drenning, who books and promotes acts in various Bradenton clubs, has already made agreements with Gargamel! and Ripa Joda.

The band also plans on recording an all-new album for 2007, backed by a tour.

All this begs one question: Will Crimson Glory once again don the face masks synonymous with its name?

"Being that it's part of our history, I think we will to some degree," Drenning said. "Maybe for (concert) encores, we'll put the masks back on."

For updates, access crimson-glory.com.