Virgin Steele

Virgin Steele is a cornerstone of the 'Epic Metal' subgenre, evolving from a traditional US Power Metal outfit in the early 1980s into a highly sophisticated symphonic and progressive entity. Formed in New York, the band's early work was rooted in hard rock and heavy metal, but the arrival of guitarist Edward Pursino and the deepening creative control of David DeFeis led to a more ambitious sound.

Their mid-90s output, specifically the 'Marriage of Heaven and Hell' series and 'Invictus', is widely considered the peak of the genre, blending high-velocity metal with philosophical and mythological themes. DeFeis's approach to 'metal opera' predates many European symphonic acts, focusing on Greek tragedy (The House of Atreus) and Sumerian myth. Critically, they are respected for their uncompromising adherence to a specific, theatrical aesthetic, though their later self-produced works have sparked debate over production choices. They remain a cult institution, influencing the more dramatic side of the power metal spectrum.