Metal Reviews

1. CONJURATION OF THE WATCHER
2. DON'T SAY GOODBYE (TONIGHT)
3. RAIN OF FIRE
4. ANNIHILATION
5. HELLFIRE WOMAN
6. CHILDREN OF THE STORM
7. THE CHOSEN ONES
8. THE SUCCUBUS
9. MINUET IN G MINOR
10. THE REDEEMER
11. I AM THE ONE
12. HOT AND WILD
13. BIRTH THROUGH FIRE
14. GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME
15. THE FINAL DAYS
16. A CRY IN THE NIGHT

From a whisper to a scream; barbaric, romantic, bombastic, yet subtle; grandiose, yet earthy. A call, a shout, an invocation to Freedom and the continual awakening to the awareness that every moment of life is lived to its fullest potential. It is a force, a sacred quest that drives VIRGIN STEELE on!!

Ah, yes, the name . . . People have often asked, what does the name VIRGIN STEELE mean?

It means a fresh approach, a new lease on life; pure metal, baptized in the flame of life; full of hunger and power, rich with dignity and majesty, with an awareness and respect for tradition, but with a desperate need to carve out new frontiers of expression. To take the music as far as it can possibly go, to break the boundaries wide open. There are no limits!!

We will never give up or go away. We will always remain. The Spirit is still willing, the Flesh is strong, and the Dream still lives on . . . How? With true power and grace. The thunder still calls and the fire burns brighter than ever in the eyes of every enchanted Hour. Why? Because I say it is so, we will it to be, and so do you.

…And on to this amazing piece of work, 16 finely crafted tunes. Virgin Steele have lost nothing at all and tight in every aspect. Wonderful production giving the overall feel of a job well done. If there is anything to complain about there are certain times on the disc when you get the feeling that you're actually listening to music from a bad video game.

All said and done though, this is one hell of a disc, which will keep you hooked from the opening of 'Conjuration Of The Watcher' to the final notes on 'A Cry In The Night'. There's all sorts here, enough to keep everyone happy even the more critical of you.

Released by Noise Records: www.noiserecords.com/virginsteele

Virgin Steele Website: http://www.virgin-steele.com/

Review by Chris Wheeler