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THE REVIEW
Originating from the metal underground of New York, Virgin Steele has stood out from the beginning of their career for the effectiveness with which guitar melodies were skillfully mixed with orchestrations. The latter element can be found more massively in the band's later albums, but already peeks through from the self-titled debut album and makes a minor return in the second studio work of the four members: Guardians of the Flame.
Overlooking a cover that once again seems useless or almost irrelevant to what the album contains, listening to the first notes of the platter, it is noticeable that the band's range of action compared to the debut has not changed much. In fact, the group led by leader and singer David Defeis, demonstrates from the very first beats of the record its propensity for hard rock. "Don't say goodbye" and "Burn the sun" are two appreciable hard rock tracks, with the former seeing a fleeting insertion of keyboards while the latter flows directly with a compelling and seventies riff by guitarist Jack Starr.
Guardians of the Flame is therefore an album with no great pretensions, containing ten tracks of hard/heavy that are in no way comparable to that indissoluble union between melody and power that we will find in later masterpieces. The track of the record is soon explained, with Defeis as the absolute leader behind the microphone and Jack Starr "painting" riff after riff with his six-string. "Life of crime" is all of this, but passes without leaving a mark, unlike the two emblematic tracks of the album: "The redeemer" and "Guardians of the flame", stylistic emblems of what will happen in the future. Songs more heavy and complex, in which one can already glimpse a certain taste for melody which will soon forcefully become part of the artistic baggage of the American band. The record flows pleasantly without particular jolts. Worth mentioning, however, is the concluding "A cry in the night", a ballad with a seventies rock/pop flavor. Perhaps a bit out of place but appreciable and engaging.
Virgin Steele somewhat retraces Pantera in their "different" style beginning compared to what the two bands will do in the future. Even this Guardians of the Flame is separated from the Virgin Steele discography, although one can read between the lines a point of contact with the subsequent works. It remains, however, a good rock album and that is enough.
1. "Don't Say Goodbye (Tonight)" (4:23)
2. "Burn The Sun" (4:24)
3. "Life Of Crime" (4:40)
4. "The Redeemer" (7:05)
5. "Birth Through Fire" (0:40)
6. "Guardians Of The Flame" (6:45)
7. "Metal City" (4:12)
8. "Hell Or High Water" (3:17)
9. "Go All The Way" (3:11)
10. "A Cry In The Night" (4:05)
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Summary by Bot
Virgin Steele's Guardians Of The Flame showcases the band's solid hard rock roots with melodic guitar riffs and early orchestrations. While not as complex or powerful as their later albums, it features notable tracks like "The Redeemer" and the title track, hinting at the band's future style. The album is enjoyable but lacks standout moments, with a ballad closing the record adding a unique touch. Overall, a good but not groundbreaking release in their discography.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
06 Guardians of the Flame (06:45)
When the winds of ice are raging
And the sun departs for night
There's a thousand eyes upon you
But no one sees your plight
Oh no mercy hath the darkness
No love or heavens rain
You can feel the sound of anguish
Hear the cries of screaming pain
We are the guardians of the flame
Masters of the ancient rites
Our duty was ordained
To protect the realm of light
If you cross the gates of wisdom
Beware of the outer sign
Here the wolves of war are feasting
And on who knows what they dine!
Oh if your courage doth forsake you
Invoke thy masters name
We come with swords of fire
To banish the profane
Oh, we are the ones who check the forces of evil
Flames fly from our hands to engulf
The bastard called sin
War, rains through the skies
Our wrath shakes the pillars of heaven, now
The jackal is slain, fountains of blood drench the land
Come light up the torch, we have returned victorious
All's well in the world tonight
Sweet dreams from the palace of light
Sleep well, my children
Virgin Steele
Virgin Steele is an American heavy/epic metal band formed in 1981, led by vocalist/keyboardist David DeFeis. Reviews emphasize their blend of metal with symphonic/keyboard elements and a strong focus on concept albums, with particular acclaim for their 1990s peak.16 Reviews
