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Rating: Metal music, as it is well known, is an extremely diverse and original universe. The musical genres present in this world are countless. In the early '80s, the two reference genres for fans were Heavy Metal and Epic Metal, from which legendary bands would emerge, laying an important foundation to build upon. One of the most important bands of that period was David DeFeis' Virgin Steele; in the first part of their career, they created a distinctive style of their own: Romantic Epic Metal. Nevertheless, it seemed that DeFeis and his companions had not yet reached their peak, with the key moment arriving in the mid-'90s with three concept albums that would definitively establish their legacy. Two were dedicated to William Blake's "Marriage of Heaven and Hell," and the third album was dedicated to the life of Julius Caesar.
The second part of the "Marriage of Heaven and Hell" is very important both to understand the group's music and to grasp their artistic journey in the years that followed. It was a decisive moment in their history, both musically and in terms of their lineup. In this album, you can admire an evolution compared to the preceding record: keyboards take center stage, guitar solos are not technical but rather elegant, with precise and pleasant arrangements. The result is vigorous music, very beautiful, capable of creating grand atmospheres.
The contrast is provided by DeFeis' voice: rough, gritty, and very spirited, which might not be to everyone's taste, but these very qualities make it effective and highly appreciated. This is evident in the open track, "Symphony of Steele," and in "Rising Unchained," these two tracks are indicative of the expressed sound. The high point is reached in the central part of the album with two pieces: first with "Prometheus The Fallen One" and then with "Emalaith." On these two pieces, it's important to mention an event related to the aforementioned songs: during the recording of the album, the group's longtime drummer, Joey Ayvazian, decided to leave. He was replaced by Frank Gilchriest, who played on only three tracks, including the central ones of the album (the third track is "Crown Of Glory"). You can note that the drums manage to delve better into the structure of the music created by DeFeis, providing great assistance that was then fully utilized in subsequent albums. "Prometheus The Fallen One" and "Emalaith" undoubtedly represent a stylistic peak, two deadly and extremely compelling songs. The final part of the album is of quality and holds up very well against a splendid beginning and an incredible middle part.
The overall judgment is excellent: a fascinating fusion between the atmospheres of Epic, rendered very complex and original, with a style and approach that nods to the old Heavy Metal. All of this in a period where other genres and other ways of playing were gaining the spotlight and the attention of the public and critics. DeFeis, going somewhat against the tide, succeeds in something that few would have been capable of doing. A great merit that makes Virgin Steele a group that is undoubtedly important in the history of Metal, capable of leaving behind records of absolute value.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
08 Emalaith (09:52)
This is the land of my beginning,
these are the mountains of my birth
Dark with the blood of desecration,
oh where is she who is my pride
EMELAITH
I hear the Weeping of the Spirits,
dark wings of hated fill the world
I know she's waiting out there somewhere,
beyond the shadows of my eyes
EMALAITH
Is there a Life Among these Ruins,
the charred remains of all my kind
Stung by the Sword of Retribution,
I swear an oath where they have died
I will return to wreak my Vengeance,
let Heaven grant what love does seek
Alive without a breath, reach for the Thorns ofDeath,
a shadow falls
Before my eyes
EMALAITH dies alone in the night,
lost like a child she leaves me
Scars on the wind to hold me inside,
tomorrow belongs to never
I'll tear the walls of Erebus down.
Child of the Desolation, cry to me under stars that have died,
Under skies of Pain we are born.
Ooh yeah, we are one, forever we'll be
Oh my love, we'll defy Death and meet on Holy Ground.
After the darkest treason I, I will arise again !!!
EMALAITH dies alone in the night,
a kiss on the wind she leaves me
Out in the fields where everything dies,
will we be lost forever?
From death and darkness love was born, and love survived
and created Light.
Behold the Kingdom of the Fearless,
who holds the Seven Points ofNight?
Where is the hope of absolution,
beyond the shadow of my sight?
I hear the Weeping of the Spirits,
dark wings of hatred rule the world
But I will rise again, pierced by the Thorns of Death,
beyond the shadow of their eyes.
EMALAITH'S mine, asoul infinite,
the promise of peace is never
The Secret of Death if ours to possess, ours will endure forever
I see the answer burn in your eyes, across the wasteland,
Death into Life
The mighty Spirits crystalize, TheCrown of Glory,
onward we ride !!!
Beyond the shadows of the skies, waiting for the light, It's
over all is gone, Shadows of Mourning ...
12 Victory Is Mine (04:20)
Your God isn't here - She is dead
Crushed by your Prophets of Dread
Death-Fire, Mist, Blood and Wine
Torn like a rose from the vine
So you run to the hills to divine
What is left of your frotune and find
VICTORY IS MINE underneath a Savage sky
VICTORY IS MINE from the darkness I have won, oh
Sad Ghosts of old victories
Come crowding the fields where we cleaved
Locked in Immortal embrace
Handsome as Death's Iron face
I will run to the hills where you hide
Seeking Vengeance for all of my kind
VICTORY IN MINE by the Hammer and the Nine
VICTORY IN MINE from the Mountains to the Sea
VICTORY IN MINE Noble tears and Kingly Pride
VICTORY IN MINE under Shadows I will fly
The Thunder meets at Twilight by the Serpentine
No blood running in these veins
Just the blackened ice of the river Styx
Swirling through a Heart of Stone
VICTORY IS MINE underneath a Savage sky
VICTORY IS MINE by the Power and the Sign
VICTORY IS MINE final Darkness, Kingdoms fall
VICTORY IS MINE under Darkness, Iam all
Oh Emalaith, oh Emalaith,
Sworn by the light of the moon
I will be here with you soon
VICTORY IS MINE
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Other reviews
By Omeganex9999
The first notes of "I Will Come For You" in 1994 sent a strong and clear message: The Virgin Steele were back, and more determined than ever to remain in the history of metal.
"Life Among The Ruins" is definitely the masterpiece of the album. Its riff is captivating, its chorus is captivating! I have no words to describe such a piece...
