We will agree that The Book Of Burning is a new Virgin Steele album, as it contains 8 unreleased new songs, plus 8 best songs from Virgin Steele I and Guardians Of The Flame chosen by David DeFeis himself and re-recorded with the current Virgin Steele line-up.

I must say Virgin Steele is now stronger than ever and belongs to the top 5 bands delivering epic symphonic heavy metal. After being unjustly compared to Manowar (expect the vocals of David DeFeis, Virgin Steele doesn't sound like Manowar at all), they have their own sound and De Feis is simply one of the best metal singer around.

That been said, The Book Of Burning starts with Conjuration Of The Watcher (our Christmas gift posted in the news section, song & artwork). Excellent starter which reminds me somehow Through The Ring Of Fire. Since Invictus, Virgin Steele has gained power, both lyrically and musically. God I like this band. I am still astonished how this band "recreates" the Greek tragedy through out its epic music. This is what I call epic metal.

The new version of the songs of Virgin Steel I and Guardians Of The Flames have been "reworked" and they sound like brand new songs coming from Invictus or House Of Atreus Act I. In reality, these songs are almost twenty years old ... and sound fresh, thanks to the sound and arrangement lifting. Rain Of Fire comes directly from the barbaric-romantic opera House Of Atreus. Annihilation & Hellfire Woman, forth and fifth track, see for the first time a much heavier Virgin Steele song, as the drums "hit" you on the face. These two songs prove Virgin Steele can be much heavier. That's good news for the future of the band.

Overall , this is an excellent release as both new and old songs prove again that Virgin Steele is a powerful metal band and deserve your attention. A safe buy for fans of heavy metal out there. Now I hope their world tour, which should see the release of a 3CDs live, will confirm Virgin Steele is as powerful on stage as their are in studio ... as I saw them live this year opening for Hammerfall and honestly they almost broke my heart.