Virgin Steele – The House Of Atreus Act 1 & Act 2’ (via SPV (3CD))

American heavy metal band Virgin Steele, formed in the early 80s, have enriched their power metal with elements of musical theatre, progressive rock and symphonic metal, with many a mythological concept.

Here, SPV reissue combines their ninth album The House Of Atreus Act 1 (1999) with follow up double CD Act 2 (2000), bolstered with the 2000 EP Magick Fire Music, a conceptual theme on Oresteia and the Greek myth related to the Atreides.

Formed in 1981 in New York, the band’s eponymous 1982 debut featured vocalist / keyboard player David DeFeis, guitarist Jack Starr, bassist Joe O’Reilly and drummer Joey Ayvazian.  This independent release was Music For Nations’ first release in Europe. Defais the constant member, who also took on production, orchestration and much of the creative responsibilities, Act 1 here features guitarist and bassist Edward Pursino and drummer Frank Gilchriest.

‘Kingdom Of The Fearless’ opens with a very moody (almost gothic and baroque) string section, the blistering guitars coming in at pace; the vocal and guitar harmonies add the most enjoyable side of power metal, the intricate guitars and bass work showing off the finer side of intelligent metal. ‘Blaze Of Glory’ one of several tracks with a piano lead, the narrated vocals done with effect that adds lots of atmosphere (a touch of a horror film too). As much story telling in presentation as music here.

‘Through The Ring Of Fire’ is a much heavier track, inspired more by some of the American giants than European power metal. From chunky metal to the more melodic almost operatic power metal, there are occasional whimsical touches that add to the concept nicely. ‘Act 2’ is spread across discs 2 and 3, and kicks off with Wings Of Vengeance, an uptempo melodic power metal track. Overall there’s many an angle on Power Metal, from trad American thrash influenced to the European melodic genre, some more atmospheric, some acoustic nods, and riffs and soloing aplenty, and an operatic moment too. The inclusion of the aforementioned EP (also released in 2000) completes the era nicely.

A wonderful set, nicely packaged, and it’s enjoyable throughout. If you don’t have both albums individually, it’s an essential purchase, the EP makes it complete too 8.3/10

Joe Gessin