• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

I have decided to review both of these albums as a single release since both of these are companion pieces of Virgin Steele's celebration of 20 years in the music industry. It is hard to believe that this band has been around this long and even more impressive is the fact that they have never faltered on their vision of creating some of the best pure power metal. This is quite an accomplishment considering the band is from the good ol' USA and not from the spawning ground of most recognized power metal…namely Germany. I just love the fact that there are still American bands that haven't bowed to the pressure of trying to appeal to MTV in order to make some quick cash and in so doing whoring themselves out. Well I better get into the review before I end up just going on a rant and babbling about the curse of the corporate disease that has infected a lot of the music industry… :)

Well what we have here in these two releases is a must have for Virgin Steele fans and a very interesting look for those not really familiar with the bands past. In "Hymns to Victory" you have a bit of a anthology showcasing the bands past where main man David Defeis has done some re arranging of the material while still keeping the original feel of the music intact. The songs chosen for this could easily be considered a "greatest hits" collection since every one of them is simply exceptional.

"The Book of Burning" is a collection of 8 previously unreleased songs and 8 newly recorded classics done by the current line-up. These are all songs from the bands early period with most being from the early 80's. Another collection of songs that are very good and well worth the purchase price.

If you are a fan of hymn style of power metal with more than passing influence of classical music you will simply love Virgin Steele and both these albums are classic indications of the style and professionalism that David Defeis has shown in the last 20 years. Any person staying true to their music for twenty years deserves admiration and respect so to you Mr. Defies, I salute you! (Now get back in the damn studio!!!…:))

Additional Information

Hymns to Victory duration: 78:25, # of tracks: 13
The Book Of Burning duration: 73:36, # of tracks: 16