I must admit, I didn’t watch any of the Glastonbury coverage this weekend. Watching a load of posh people in a field pretend they like music isn’t my idea of fun. However, it did mean that I had to put up with a load of people telling me today about seeing Guns N’ Roses and Elton John. Amidst all this, along comes Virgin Steele’s latest album, “The Passion of Dionysus.”
Virgin Steele’s music has always been the type that all these once-a-year festival-watchers seem to believe represents heavy metal as a whole. But let me tell you, this band is far from generic. Led by the dedicated David DeFeis, who has been keeping it true for over 40 years, Virgin Steele continues to push boundaries and deliver their unique brand of metal.
“The Gethsemane Effect” immediately grabs your attention with its powerful vocals. DeFeis showcases his remarkable range and control, making it one of the standout tracks on the album. As you dive deeper into the album, “Ritual Of Descent” presents a fascinating amalgamation of about 15 different musical ideas happening simultaneously. It’s a testament to the band’s skill that somehow, everything fits together harmoniously.
“Black Earth And Blood” takes an interesting turn, combining intense thrash drumming with progressive elements. The result is a captivating and complex piece that defies categorization. Meanwhile, the title track, “The Passion of Dionysus,” blends power metal with elements of AOR, creating a peculiar yet intriguing fusion of styles.
However, the standout moment on the album comes in the form of “I Will Fear No Man for I Am A God.” With its filthy riff and harmonies, this track showcases Virgin Steele at their best. The band’s ability to create something distinct and unlike anything else is truly commendable.
David DeFeis himself describes Virgin Steele as a way of life, stating, “The band is my vehicle with which I traverse vast oceans of experience. We are always doing things our own way, on our own specific terms.” This sentiment is reflected in their music, which is as overblown and grandiose as their ambitions. With swords raised high, they embark on an epic musical journey.
Rating 8/10
