Virgin Steele Biography
Despite the fact that they are an American band, Virgin Steele are gradually becoming a European metal phenomenon. The group -- perennially led by vocalist/keyboardist David DeFeis since their inception in the fall of 1981 -- is a fine example of a heavy metal band that assimilates classical influences into its romantic, symphonic-based sound. Virgin Steele began humbly with two self-released albums which, after being picked up for international distribution, brought in combined sales of nearly 400,000 units and critical praise from the metal underground. British metal mag Kerrang! even compared them to early Judas Priest. The group's intriguing blend of classical, metal, and a touch of prog manifested itself fully for the first time on their third album, the groundbreaking Noble Savage. This album marked a change for the band in the departure of original guitarist Jack Starr -- whose more traditional anthems clashed with DeFeis' grandiose epics -- and the arrival of talented shredder Edward Pursino. The following album, Age of Consent, was more commercial than its predecessor, attempting to appeal to both hardcore and mainstream metal fans. Management and label problems prompted a hiatus which ended in the early '90s, when German interest rekindled the spark for the band. While the ensuing album Life Among the Ruins stayed closer to the '80s, the following two records, The Marriage of Heaven & Hell, Parts 1 and 2 were powerful epics which cemented the group as one of the greatest bands in the genre. The latter album marked the departure of original drummer Frank Ayvazian and new skinbeater Frank Girlchriest. Marriage 2 sold very well in Europe and hit number five on the Japanese metal charts. House of Atreus Act 1 followed in 1999. The second volume in the House of Atreus Act series appeared two years later. ~ Bryan Reesman, All Music Guide
Popular Biographies:
Tsunami bomb Biography: Bay Area punk combo Tsunami Bomb was formed around 1999 by bassist Dominic Davi, who was joined by vocalist Agent M, guitarist Mike Griffen, and drummer Gabe Lindeman. With their California punk...
Zombie nation Biography: The mysterious dance outfit Zombie Nation is comprised of a pair of DJs, who go by the aliases of Splank and Mooner, both of whom hail from Munich. The duo first signed to DJ Hell's label,...
Ford blues band Biography: After leaving Ukiah, CA, and moving south to San Francisco to form the Charles Ford Band (named for their father) in the late '60s with harmonica player Gary Smith, brothers Pat (drums) and Robben...
Declaime Biography: Originally affiliated with the Likwit Crew, Declaime debuted on tha Alkaholiks' second album, Coast II Coast, and also appeared on Lootpack's Soundpieces before releasing his own solo work. His first...
Telepopmusik Biography: The electronic outfit Télépopmusik followed in the footsteps of Air, Les Rythmes Digitales, and Dimitri From Paris and established their own musical stylings in the arena of French dance...
Storm Biography: Several years after splitting from Journey, keyboardist Gregg Rolie launched a solo career, before co-founding a similarly styled, mainstream pop outfit -- the Storm. Although the group failed to...
Cirith ungol Biography: Los Angeles-based metal band Cirith Ungol formed in 1981, taking their name from a tower which played a key role in author J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series. The lineup originally comprised...
Color me badd Biography: This vocal quartet formed as high school students in Oklahoma City before relocating to New York. They proved adept at both churning dance tunes and sincere ballads. Signing to Giant Records, they...