Virgin Steele--The House of Atreus, Act II

Virgin Steele--The House of Atreus, Act II (2000/Noise) Rating--8.0

The ancient Greek themes continue with this 2-CD set, as a full story is once again woven around gods, war, swords, and bravery. A "barbaric-romantic opera," in the words of the band, and a number of short melodic/acoustic "connectors" tie the tracks together. A downside is that the 2nd disc is largely of a lighter nature, as piano and mood-enhanced pieces dominate the tracklist. Impressive songwriting, but a bit of a letdown in terms of the metal side of things.
Various tracks from the first disc stand solid, including "Wings of Vengeance," "The Voice as Weapon," "A Token of My Hatred," and "Summoning the Powers". The top highlights include the melodic-but-strong "Fire of Ecstasy," and the slashing and attacking attitude of "The Wine of Violence".
The second disc's top spot is its closer, "Resurrection Day".
TRACK LIST: DISC ONE--Wings of Vengeance/Hymn to the Gods of Night/Fire of Ecstasy/The Oracle of Apollo/The Voice as Weapon/Moira/Nemesis/The Wine of Violence/A Token of My Hatred/Summoning the Powers
DISC TWO--Flames of Thy Power (From Blood They Rise)/Arms of Mercury/The By the Gods Suite: By the Gods/Areopagos/The Judgment of the Son/Hammer the Winds/Guild or Innocence/The Legends Suite: The Fields of Asphodel/When the Legends Die/Anemone (Withered Hopes... Forsaken)/The Waters of Acheron/Fantasy and Fugue in D Minor (The Death of Orestes)/Resurrection Day (The Finale)

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