Interview

Virgin Steele's brand of Operatic Heavy Metal is rich with content and musicianship. Mixing theatrical opera with a rock and roll edge and keying in on historical times as well as the mystery's of mythology have made them very popular in Europe and other places around the world. Their latest release, "Hymns To Victory" off Noise Records, features their greatest tracks from the last 20 years. All of the tracks have been re-mixed and re-mastered by DeFeis himself. Many songs have even be re-arranged and partly re-recorded. The album will also contain two previously unreleased bonus tracks as well. I recently caught up with singer/songwriter David DeFeis and we spoke candidly about the current state and direction of our wonderful genre.

How would you describe your overall sound?

DEFEIS: It is a combination of the primal roots of True Power Metal and 19th Century Classical Music, such as Chopin, Debussey, Liszt, Verdi & Wagner, plus a Poetic sensibility in the lyrics. It is aggressive, & primitive, yet the harmonic/melodic vocabulary is highly advanced. I call it Symphonic-Expressionism, Blues Based-Power Metal or...Barbaric Romanticism.

Who are some of your musical influences? why?

DEFEIS: All of the above, and in the Rock Music Sphere, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Bryan Ferry, Kate Bush, etc....Why, because all the artists mentioned have great talent for creating lasting sonic landscapes! Great arrangements combined with great chops/voices!!!

Tell me a little about the creative process; How do you come up with the music and the lyrics?

DEFEIS: This would take too much space in the paper, but to be short & sweet....Well...sometimes the Music comes first, then sometimes the lyrics come first. Often they arrive simultaneously to my mind. Generally speaking I will either be driving the car or doing something completely unrelated...when an idea comes. Other times I will be improvising at the piano and an idea will emerge. Whichever way a song is initially born, it must then be developed! That is all the sitting down at the piano time, and cultivating/nurturing the ideas into their final or ultimate shape!!!

How much does world history and mythology influence your music?

DEFEIS: My songs are essentially based on Life experiences. My trip through this Life, my observations, concepts & ideology. Mythology is a part of my existence, because I was brought up on all the great Myths and I am in constant touch with my past readings and more importantly, I continue my research in this area. World history also plays a part, as I am concerned with...where I have been and more importantly...where I am going!

Throughout your 20 year career in Heavy Metal, when would you say was the 'hey-day' of metal? Why?

DEFEIS: Do you mean commercially, artistically, nostalgically???? In terms of where the Genre is at artistically, which is my main concern, then I would have to say now is the time!!! Metal grows and improves and at this moment it is in an interesting place I firmly believe!

What do you think of this rise of so-called- Nu-metal and rap-core metal that has hit the mainstream?

DEFEIS: Personally I am not terribly interested in Rap or the hybrid Rap-Metal fusion. But I suppose that in any genre and of course in this particular genre you will find both good artists & piss artists!

Do you feel any pressure to try and change your style to appease the new core metal fans? - DEFEIS: No, I certainly do not. I honestly feel that what we are doing in

VIRGIN STEELE, is the True New Metal, because we are seriously and intelligently advancing the course of the Metal Genre! We are intensely aware of our History or Traditions, and we are constantly striving to push the envelope, and go beyond those boundaries. With the release of our albums, THE MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN & HELL PARTS I & II, THE HOUSE OF ATREUS ACT I & II, and INVICTUS, that mission has been absolutely accomplished. By constantly developing/bringing in new elements, we have forged a New Metal Path, without betraying our origins.

In your opinion, why is it that the Europeans seem to appreciate Traditional metal more so than Americans?

DEFEIS: Because they have greater access to this Music number one, what with the various outlets for this Music's exposure there, and two, they are not so obsessive about jumping on all the latest bandwagons that come down the pike. This Music strikes deep in the Hearts of those who dare!!!

How does it feel to be the elder in this genre?

DEFEIS: Elder....I'm not so sure about that, but if you say survivor, fearless explorer....no problem!!!

If you could change anything about the last 20 years what would it be?

DEFEIS: Probably nothing, because all those experiences both good & bad make me who I am at this moment. And..at this moment I have no problem with who & what & where I am!!!

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment throughout the entire career thus far?

DEFEIS: Many things but....let's see...crossing the boundaries of Metal and joining with the Theatrical/Operatic World not only once, but twice thus far,( and preparing again for a third round), ranks quite high in my opinion! Touring the World and receiving a great response wherever we've been, and ultimately still lasting & doing it better each year!

What can fans expect from your live show?

DEFEIS: Power, Mystery & The Sword of the Gods!!!

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

DEFEIS: Prayers to Zeus, Athena & Apollo!!! Ha...well....I like to ahhh...vocalize, warm up the voice & fingers! Basically I like to be left alone prior to the show.

What's next?

DEFEIS: A live album, another studio album, another Metal-Opera to be staged again in Europe! The List goes on...and on!!!

Any last words to your fans in NY?

DEFEIS: Yes!!! Thanks so very much for all your Faith, Honour, Belief & Support!!! Keep well, remain safe & stay Forever...INVICTUS!!! BY THE HAMMER OF ZEUS...CHEERS!!!