The Black Light Bacchanalia

Virgin Steele

***Mike*** Admittedly, my experience regarding VIRGIN STEELE is very limited. Aside from a few songs […]
By Mike Novak, Dimitris Karametos
October 26, 2010
Virgin Steele - Nocturnes Of Hellfire & Damnation album cover
***Mike***

Admittedly, my experience regarding VIRGIN STEELE is very limited. Aside from a few songs heard over the past several years, I was a VS "virgin." I figured, "what better way to become acquainted than to review their newest album?" Much of their back catalogue is difficult to find, especially in America, where I live. However, hopefully, with VIRGIN STEELE signed to SPV Records, "The Black Light Bacchanalia," will hopefully see wider distribution.

Anyway, I had always heard of VIRGIN STEELE classified is Power Metal or Classic Metal with later albums, leaning towards being "epic." What I heard, however, was completely different from what I expected. Instead of heavy metal I heard something much lighter and atmospheric. In all honesty, it threw me off a bit, to the point of where I had to force myself to give the album more listens. I'm glad I did, though, because even though this album is quite a bit of a departure from their 80's and even 90's material, there are some fantastic ideas on here.

This is definitely an album that is meant to be listened to whole, but unlike some of their other "concept" releases (since hearing "The Black Light Bacchanalia" for the first time, I have heard several VIRGIN STEELE albums), the flow that made previous albums of this type so amazing is just not there. That does not mean that this is not a quality album though, it is, however I have a feeling that some, but not all, long-time fans could be disappointed. The rhythm guitars often serve more as a texture than a discernable force as far as riffs are concerned. Thankfully there are still some brilliant leads that take some of the songs to a whole new level. Kudos to bassist Josh Block, who adds some 7-strings to the proceedings which compliment the 6-string guitars admirably.

David Defeis has adopted this strange whispering style of singing which is a sharp contrast to his powerful performances on previous albums. His keyboards take a much more prominent role in the structure of the majority of the songs. That being said, there are a few songs that still rock hard, like the title track. However, chances are that this will not be an album that is meant to be heard driving with the windows down.

So what it all comes down to is "Is this album worth owning?" And the answer is definitely "yes." This is a solid album even if it takes a good number of listens to appreciate it. However, this definitely pales in comparison to much of their mid-late 90's work.

***Dimitris***

I WRITE WITH MY SWORD DRAWN!! Least any small hearted man dares to interrupt the single most important moment in my whole day, my review of the new album of VIRGIN STEELE...what? I see some smiling thinking that I will make fun of this album, my soul is filled with regret for you and my sword only thirsts for your blood as I am and will be a great fan of VIRGIN STEELE.

Seriously now, I really love VIRGIN STEELE and it will be a little difficult to actually restrain myself not to appear biased...wait...why should I do that...hell we are fans too. Twelfth album for VIRGIN STEELE and they continue the path that they so well have carved with sword and fire, a combination of Heavy Metal with symphonic and epic elements along with a frame of classical and Barbaric/Romantic music. The sound sometimes subtle sometimes powerful, returns from the bright past to remind us that we are the keepers of our fate and our destiny and not even the gods may claim the rights to our fate and even if they try we must stand up to them to be free and live free. A beautiful concept especially in this said days that we actually are bombarded through various forms in an attempt to steal our freedom and our minds. VIRGIN STEELE use their music to remind us that we must remain defiant to slavery. Rebellion and defiance that is the main concept of the album, as it always was through the history of the songs of VIRGIN STEELE, be it "Prometheus The Fallen One" from "The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell" to "Defiance" from "Invictus" to "The Orpheus Taboo" from this album "The Black Light Bacchanallia".

As we live in darker times there is a need to display a darker side, thus Josh Block played some of the passages in some of the songs in a seven string guitar; the seven-string guitar gives a deeper more darker tone, sinister in some songs, the same idea was also followed from PARADISE LOST in their latest album. Of course there cannot be an album of VIRGIN STEELE without the trademark screams of David; the songs take again their ideas from Greek mythology and the Pagan myths, I believe David is one of the few artists in the Metal scene that actually respects absolutely the Greek myths and is more precise than many who actually attempt to use our past in their songs.

Forgive me if I could not be just in this review, what is it to say? Is it the best VIRGIN STEELE album? Maybe it isn't or maybe it is. Is this album going to change the music scene, bah! Who listens to lyrics anymore, lyrics with a meaning? For me, I loved it, but I never ask for more than this.

7 / 10

Good

"The Black Light Bacchanalia" Track-listing:
  1. By The Hammer Of Zeus (And The Wrecking Ball Of Thor)
  2. Pagan Heart
  3. The Bread Of Wickedness
  4. In A Dream Of Fire
  5. Nepenthe (I Live Tomorrow)
  6. The Orpheus Taboo
  7. To Crown Them With Halos Parts 1 And 2
  8. The Black Light Bacchanalia (The Age That Is To Come)
  9. The Torturer's Of The Damned
  10. Necropolis (He Answers Then With Death)
  11. Eternal Regret
Virgin Steele Lineup:

David DeFeis - Vocals
Edward Pursino - Guitars
Josh Block - Bass, Guitars
Frank Gilchriest - Drums

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