VIRGIN STEELE are the reason why the term Metal Opera exists and have been in the music industry for over a couple of decades. Due to switching their label to SPV Records, they have recently re-issued a couple of their classic albums including "Invictus".

Whether you've been a die-hard fan of the band from the beginning or a new listener like me it is a great way to get a classic album across to all audiences; what I particularly like about this re-issue is how they have gone the extra mile to provide us with acoustic renditions of their songs, being very ironic since this is their most aggressive and heavy album. Not to mention some exclusive bonus new tracks including "Do You Walk With God".

The vocal work from David DeFais is remarkably versatile throughout the whole re-issue; it rough and husky for those very heavily distorted tracks and beautifully soft and clear for the acoustic executions, you can hear these in acoustic versions of "A Whisper Of Death" and "Defiance". He certainly became one of my top metal vocalists after listening to this epic re-issue.

Closing track "Do You Walk With God" gives us a special treat with its stunning melody, David's powerful voice and excellent music arrangements. It could become one the most iconic ballads in Metal history.

An absolute must for lovers of Virgin Steele and metal music in general.