Virgin Steele Self Titled CD (Jewel Case, 2018, No Remorse Records)

The legendary beginnings of American epic heavy metal are captured in powerful form with this 2018 CD edition of Virgin Steele from pioneering US metal legends Virgin Steele. Originally released in 1982, the self-titled debut album stands as one of the earliest foundational releases in the evolution of US epic heavy metal and proto-American power metal, introducing the raw ambition, theatrical atmosphere, and melodic power that would later define the band’s legendary career.

Formed in Long Island, New York by guitarist Jack Starr and visionary vocalist/keyboardist David DeFeis, Virgin Steele quickly established themselves as one of the most distinctive underground heavy metal bands of the early 1980s. Even in this early stage, the band displayed many of the signature elements that would become central to their enduring legacy - soaring dramatic vocals, epic songwriting, powerful guitar-driven arrangements, and a uniquely “barbaric-romantic” atmosphere blending aggression with emotional depth and theatrical grandeur.

Musically, Virgin Steele bridges classic American heavy metal with hard rock energy, proto-power metal ambition, and epic melodic sensibilities. The album combines driving riffs, memorable hooks, dramatic vocal performances, and adventurous songwriting into a release that feels both raw and visionary. While later albums such as Noble Savage and The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell would fully realise the band’s epic metal identity, this debut captures the authentic underground spirit and fearless experimentation of a band forging its own path within heavy metal history.

David DeFeis’ vocal performance already showcases the dramatic intensity and operatic flair that would become synonymous with Virgin Steele, while guitarist Jack Starr delivers powerful riffs and expressive lead work rooted in classic heavy metal tradition. The chemistry between melody, aggression, and theatrical atmosphere gives the album a timeless quality that continues to resonate with fans of epic and traditional heavy metal decades later.

This 2018 jewel case CD edition from No Remorse Records presents the original 1982 album remastered alongside selected tracks featuring new mixes, offering enhanced clarity while preserving the authentic spirit of the original recordings. The release also includes a 24-page booklet featuring lyrics, rare photos, liner notes by David DeFeis, and eight bonus tracks, making it an essential archival edition for collectors and longtime fans.

For listeners exploring the roots of US epic heavy metal and traditional American metal, Virgin Steele remains an important historical release - a raw yet visionary debut from one of the genre’s most respected cult bands.

Recommended if you like: Manowar, Savatage, Warlord, Jag Panzer, Omen, Manilla Road, Rainbow, Cirith Ungol, Liege Lord, Vicious Rumors, Exorcist, Riot V, Armoured Saint, Crimson Glory, Triumpher, Sacred Outcry

Artist: Virgin Steele
Title: Virgin Steele
Label: No Remorse Records
Catalogue Number: NRR67994
UPC: 744430522137
Release Year: 2018
Duration: Album
Format: CD 
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & factory sealed

Tracklist:

01. Minuet In G Minor
02. Danger Zone
03. American Girl
04. Dead End Kids
05. Drive On Thru
06. Stiil In Love With You
07. Children Of The Storm
08. Pictures On You
09. Pulverized
10. Living In Sin
11. Virgin Steele

Bonus Tracklist:

12. The Lesson (demo)
13. Life Of Crime (demo)
14. Burn The Sun (demo)
15. American Girl (re-mastered original mix)
16. Dead End Kids (re-mastered new mix)
17. Drive On Thru (remastered original mix)
18. Living In Sin (remastered original mix)
19. A Token Of My Hatred (live)