Steamhammer Records / SPV has just launched a massive restored edition of VIRGIN STEELE’s legendary debut album “Virgin Steele I”. The album has been completely remixed by David De Feis himself and a bunch of bonus demo and rare tracks have been added to the original tracklist. A total of 18 songs for almost 78 minutes. VIRGIN STEELE has always been a divisive band, often loved by fine palates, but equally hated by those, who can’t stand this baroque and neoclassical style of Metal. Here we can find the roots of Epic and Power Metal mixed with Hard Rock, some Blues parts and Classical music too. Since it’s their debut, it’s for sure a raw and immature chapter in the long and prolific discography of the Long Island band, but without any doubt this is an important piece in the history of Metal. This Anniversary Edition is enriched by a very detailed booklet in which is explained the genesis of the album, that was originally recorded in two sessions due to lack of funds. These restored tracks do justice to the whole album, that is a great example of a melodic and technically inspired approach to Heavy Metal in the early ’80s. There are some great Rock / Blues ballads like ‘Still In Love With You’ and killer Heavy Metal songs too like ‘Children Of The Storm’, that was cited by METALLICA as very inspirational in their early days, or ‘Living In Sin’. The epic side is very present in tracks like ‘Virgin Steele’ or the piano solo ‘Lothlorien’, clearly influenced by Tolkien. There are some thrashy echoes in the lovecraftian bonus track ‘Hell From Beyond The Stars’, that was composed by De Feis and the guitarist Edward Pursino in the vein of the side projects EXORCIST or PILEDRIVER. At a musical level we are in front of very competent and refined musicians. As I said before, this band is very divisive, if you’re a fan, you’ll always love them, but if you’re not, you’ll probably mock their attitude or stylistic choices, that sometimes may appear to be cheesy. I’m into Epic Metal and, although I’ve always preferred MANILLA ROAD, it has to be said that De Feis and the virtuoso guitarist Jack Starr had a pivotal role in the development of American Heavy Metal. Last but not least, the cover artwork is an astonishing mixture of sci-fi and sword and sorcery that has the power to bring you back to the ’80s. www.facebook.com/virginsteeleofficial, www.facebook.com/spvsteamhammer