Virgin Steele – Steel Made Virgins

If the gods of Greek mythology truly look at this world and its creations, than surly Virgin Steele is one of the finest to behold. A veteran metal band, led by the musical genius that is David Defies, they have been releasing one quality album after another for over 20 years. With a new album in the making, David gave us the lowdown on current events.

First, and most important, how are you feeling? Did the medical situation turn out all right?

I am fine thanks very much for asking.

I understand the band is planning a long-awaited DVD, what will it include and when do you think it will be released?

We will release a studio album first, then a live album and a DVD. The DVD will contain historical footage, plus live concert footage and behind the scenes/at home footage. It will also feature the 3 Theatrical/Operatic productions that I did in Germany. I want the DVD to be something that completely captures the Ideology/Mythology of what the Band and Music is all about.

I've read that you were asked to compose another metal opera for the German theatre, what is it going to be about?

I have decided to not do that at this time. The ideas of the director and the Theater were not something that truly excited me at this time. Plus I am too busy with the current album and all the future plans. After those ideas are realized I may draw my attention to another "Opera".

The band hasn’t released a new studio album since 2000, what's the reason for the long period?

Actually that is not true. We did issue THE BOOK OF BURNING in 2002, which contained a full albums worth of new material. Plus we issued HYMNS TO VICTORY which also contained new material. Then I got busy doing the re-issues of the first 2 albums, which also had bonus tracks included. We also did many, many concerts, plus I had my 3rd Metal-Opera to write and to stage. All these things took lots of time. While composing the third "Opera', I did not just simply write 10 songs, I wrote well over 60! Now I have over 3 albums worth of music, which I am currently sorting out into what will be the next studio album.

A bit about the opera writing, how did that start out?

I was approached by the director if a German Theater. He asked me if I could create a large scale Metal/Operatic type Work that his Theater could stage. My answer was…THE HOUSE OF ATREUS. This director had become aware of my Work through THE MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN & HELL albums. Incidentally we also ended up staging THE MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN & HELL/INVICTUS Trilogy, 1 year after THE HOUSE OF ATREUS Work was staged!

What is the writing procedure for the operas, do you write them on keyboards and then they're developed into a full orchestra?

All of my Songs are composed on either the piano, or some type of keyboard instrument. I then develop them, and orchestrate them myself using the available orchestral sounds that can be generated using keyboards.

What about a new studio album, what's the situation there?

I am in the middle of completing it. I have narrowed the song selection down to 18 tracks that I want to complete. This is still too long for 1 CD, so I must condense my scope a bit further…unfortunately. I hope to have a new album released between January and March.

What is the line-up that will record the new album?

The same as usual. Myself on all vocals, all keyboards, orchestration, guitars and bass, plus Edward Pursino on guitar, Josh Block on guitar, and Frank Gilchriest on drums.

Are you in touch with the band's former bassist, Rob Demartino?

No not really very much. I have seen him at a few concerts here and there…

Will it be based upon a concept? And if so, what will the concept be?

Yes it concerns the Ancient Sumerian personage…"LILITH", the first wife of Adam… he of the fig leaf and garden persuasion.

One of my favorite albums by the band, is Invictus, did you consider doing a sequel album?

Glad to hear that you enjoy it. Hmmm….no not really a sequel, but perhaps a prequel or back story to the entire Trilogy…which includes the 2 "MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN & HELL" albums.

Judging from the band's albums, you hold a fascination with Greek mythology and concepts, how did you get involved with that subject?

Yes I do enjoy the Ancient Greeks! I do actually enjoy all Ancient Myths & Cultures. I was introduced to the World of Myth through the Theater. My Father was and still is an actor, and director who has his own Theater Group. I grew up watching him rehearse and perform Works by the Ancient Greek Masters, such as Euripides, etc., plus Shakespeare and so on. I grew up with that, plus classical music and Rock music, so…this is how I turned out.

You tend to leave "fingerprints" of earlier albums and compositions in new albums that you make, using the same melody lines and lyrics, what is your intention when doing that?

Those "fingerprints", that you are referring to are the "Themes" and Motives" that are used to represent a certain Character or idea in the Work. They are never simply re-stated exactly as they were first introduced. They are always developed, altered and transformed as the Character or idea that those themes represent… changes throughout the Story. I don't use those devices indiscriminately on simply any album. I use them only in the larger scale "Operatic" Works to underscore deeper meanings and to bind the Works together. This idea of a musical fragment being used to represent a Character or Idea comes from classical opera and was extensively used by composers like Wagner & Verdi to name but a few.

A lot of people consider the band as a one-man-band based around you, why do you think that is, and what is your take on that?

If people see one name on a record doing a multitude of "jobs' then they consider that person to be the main force of the Group. Yes in VIRGIN STEELE the albums are largely based around my ideas and compositions. However, when the Group plays live…it most definitely is a Group, with each person contributing equally to the live presentation.

You did guest vocals on Tobias Sammet's Avantasia record, how did that take place?

He had asked my label if he could contact me, and they then informed me of his interest. I said sure…send me over the music and if I like it I will do it. I liked it, so…I did it! It was really quite simple. He sent me those excerpts that I sang on. I did not hear the entire album until it was released.

Are you involved in other musical projects outside of Virgin Steele?

Here and there throughout the years I have been. I did the 2nd PILEDRIVER album, the EXORCIST album, and other productions for various people. Plus I have a strange Group of people that I sometimes perform obscure covers with here called, "CARNIVAL OF SOULS".

What are your touring plans for the near future?

Once the new album is released we will tour as much as possible. At present we are only doing the occasional 'one off'. For example we will be headlining the KEEP IT TRUE FESTIVAL in Germany on November 5th.

Any last message for the Israeli fans?

Hail, Cheers & Many Thanks for your Belief, Faith and Support!!! Thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks so very much for listening! Keep well and remain…INVICTUS!