Virgin Steele: Invictus (re-issue)

Invictus, the eighth studio album and third and originally intended final part in the Marriage of Heaven & Hell saga from the self-styled barbaric romantics, gets the deluxe expanded two disc treatment courtesy of SPV / Steamhammer. Originally released back in 1998 this was unquestionably heavier than anything that had gone before (or indeed since) from the East Coast power metallers and was also epic in length with a running time in excess of seventy five minutes. However whilst the first disc may be all about sweeping harmonies, fist pumping choruses and the overblown vocal style of David DeFeis the band have gone in the opposite direction with disc two which is entirely acoustic and stripped back aside from new track 'Do You Walk With God'.

But whilst the second disc is a welcome addition for their loyal following Invictus itself remains a strong and fulfilling album in its own right. DeFeis is a vocalist with all of the blood, guts and thunder that is required to tackle the tale of humanity's fight against oppression and tyranny and in guitarist Edward Pursino he has the perfect foil who serves up a blistering battery of riffs and scorching solos. 'In The Arms of The Death God', 'Sword of the Gods' and the wonderfully intricate opus 'A Whisper of Death' are just some of the highlights but this is an album that offers sixteen songs of pure molten metal. If you are new to Virgin Steele or if you just haven't heard Invictus for a number of years then his reissued package provides the opportunity to don your armour, sharpen your blade and head for the battlefield.

Track List:-
CD1
1. The Blood Of Vengeance
2. Invictus
3. Mind, Body, Spirit
4. In The Arms Of The Death God
5. Through Blood And Fire
6. Sword Of The Gods
7. God Of Our Sorrows
8. Vow Of Honour
9. Defiance
10. Dust From The Burning
11. Amaranth
12. A Whisper Of Death
13. Dominion Day
14. A Shadow Of Fear
15. "Theme" From The Marriage Of Heaven & Hell
16. Veni, Vidi, Vici
CD2 – Bonus CD
"Dark Distant Future" Medley #1
1. A Whisper Of Death (Intro)
2. Unholy Water
3. Trail Of Tears
"With Vengeance Divine" Medley #2
4. Rising Unchained
5. Veni, Vidi, Vici
6. Defiance
7. I Will Come For You
8. Victory Is Mine
"Hail The Conquering Hero" Medley #3
9. Serpent`s Kiss (Intro)
10. A Whisper Of Death (Main section of song)
11. Great Sword Of Flame
12. Emalaith
13. The Burning Of Rome
14. Perfect Mansions (Mountains Of The Sun)
New Song
15. Do You Walk With God

Added: October 19th 2014
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1997
Language: english

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