Virgin Steele - The Book Of Burning

*=Staff's pick	Conjuration of the Watcher* Don't say Goodbye Rain of Fire* Annihilation Hellfire Woman Children of the Storm* The Chosen Ones* The Succubus* Minuet in G Minor The Redeemer* I am the One Hot and Wild Birth through Fire Guardians of the Flame* The Final Days A Cry in the Night

Genre	Heavy Metal	David DeFeis	Vocals
Tracks	16	Edward Pursino	Guitar
Runningtime	74 Min.	-	Guitar
Label	Noise Records	-	Bass
Release	29 April 2002	-	Drums
Country	USA	David DeFeis	Keyboards
Similar artists	Manowar

In the waiting gap between two studio albums some bands give their fans something to chew on for the time being. Virgin Steele is one of those and has given us not only one, but two such great things: The Book of Burning and Hymns to Victory. On The Book of Burning we can revel in some previously unreleased songs from earlier albums, some new-recordings of oldies and some brand new ones. All in all, a 16 track masterpiece from David "The Lion" DeFeis and associates and a must buy for all fans.

My personal favourite songs of the album are Conjuration of the Watcher (that was previously planned for the House of Atreus act I album and the fact that such an awesome song was left out really tells us something of the capacity of the band) and Rain of Fire that must be considered as one of the best Virgin Steele songs of all time. Well I could go on listing track after track but for other killer ones just check out staff's pick in the list above.

The production and sound are of usual Virgin Steele style and remind me a bit of House of Atreus act I, which means you won't be disappointed the least. David singing and Pursino's guitar are as great as can be expected- in other words outstanding.

So thank you very much Virgin Steele for giving us this great aperitif for the time being. For you, Heaven forbid, who haven't heard Virgin Steele yet I recommend that you instead check out Hymns to Victory since that's a collection. For you who aren't into this above-mentioned blasphemy, The Book of Burning is a must. So By the Gods and Goddesses- BUY and that as fast as you can!

See also review of: Nocturnes Of Hellfire & Damnation , Visions Of Eden

Production	Vocals	Compositions
7,5	9,5	8,5

Summary
8,5 chalices of 10 - Mat