Virgin Steele--The House of Atreus Act I (1999/Noise)
Rating--8.6
Return of the King--RealAudio The Fire God--RealAudio
Excellent epic metal, in the unmistakable vein of classic Manowar. Vocalist and long-time metal strongman David Defeis
is a dead ringer for Eric Adams at his finest. There are fast, double-bass drums, and the same thump/pulse energy of early Manowar is present as well. The band does
evolve with the times, however, as the sharp vocals are mixed with updated riffs, with strong melodies being commonplace. Shades of metal-mechanical
Jag Panzer sift through at times, while the band weaves the tale of Greek Troy in excellent conceptual fashion.
The swift "Kingdom of the Fearless" opens the
disc, and "Through the Ring of Fire" follows up with a thumping drum-and-bass line. Excellent riffing is the strength of "Return of the King," while the winding "Flames
of the Black Star" has a good pick-up drive.
The strong and powerful "The Fire God" is a top highlight, and other good tracks include "Great Sword of Flame,"
"Agony and Shame," and the evil and stalking "The Gift of Tantalos." "Child of Desolation" and "Gate of Kings," while lighter, are still solid and formidable.
Look for 'Act II,'
coming soon...
TRACK LIST: King of the Fearless (The Destruction of Troy)/Blaze of Victory (The Watchman's Song)/Through the Ring of Fire/Prelude in a Minor (The Voyage Home)/
Death Darkly Close Their Eyes (The Messenger's Song)/In Triumph or Tragedy/Return of the King/Flames of the Black Star (The Arrows of Herakles)/Narcissus/
And Hecate Smiled/A Song of Prophecy/Child of Desolation/G Minor Invention (Descent Into Death's Twilight Kingdom)/Day of Wrath/Great Sword of Flame/The Gift
of Tantalos/Iphigenia in Hades/The Fire God/Garden of Lamentation/Agony and Shame/Gate of Kings/Via Sacra
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