The band started its roots back in 1981: then David Deface (soloist and keyboardist), Jack Starr (talented guitarist) and Joey Ayvazian (drummer) decided to unite their creativity. The guitarist and drummer were in the same band. It also decided to replace the bass player with a brand new Joe O'Reilly. In the fall of 1981, the line-up was fully formed and the official name of the group was announced - "Virgin steele".
The guys create a trial version of the album in a record three weeks. They started mailing it to record companies and music magazines (later this album would become their debut). The work of the guys was not in vain, and the first positive feedback about the work came to the group. Shrapnel records offered to add one song to the US Metal, Volume II collection of musicians of this style.
After the release of such a collection, listeners wanted to hear more songs from Virgin steele. In addition, two more versions of collections with the participation of guys were released. The audience spoke favorably about the tracks "Queensryche" and "Metallica". All this led the group to the fact that they signed a contract with a young English company "Music for nations".
The guys released a full-fledged debut album with a good circulation. The team began touring surrounded by legendary music bands. As an example, this is Motorhead, Krokus, The Rods and others.
The Rise of the Virgin Steele Collective
Virgin Steele worked hard and invested in their activities, which resulted in a full-fledged album "Virgin Steele" in just a year of activity for the guys. Due to the increased popularity of tension, conflicts arose in the composition. One of them resulted in the departure of guitarist Jack Starr, who chose to continue on his own path and build his own solo career.
Instead, Edward Pursino took over. He later proved himself not only as a capable guitarist, but also wrote songs for a common cause. It raised the collective spirit of the guys. They were able to create one of their best albums called "Noble savage".
After that, it was time for a long and difficult tour. During which the band changed the recording company and management. The lead singer of the group, David, even managed to try himself as a producer. And in 1988, the musicians found the time and energy to create a new disc.
At one concert, the bass player was unable to perform due to poor health. He was replaced by Deface and Pursino. Later, O'Reilly would have conflicts with the manager. As a result, he was expelled from the group.
Grand project
The musicians had a difficult creative period from 88 to 92 years, complicated by internal difficulties. New compositions were not created, the group stomped in one place. Everything changed when a new and promising bassist, Rob DeMartino, was added to the line-up.
Virgin steele took a deep breath and began to work hard on a new project. A fresh record was released in the spring of 1993 called "Life among the ruins". In the summer of the same year, the musicians went to concerts throughout Europe as headliners as an opening act before the performances of other stars.
These trips turned out to be quite successful and gave the band the strength and inspiration to create a thoughtful and complete disc in two parts with a bright concept. But the intended release failed, because on the eve of the final release of the disc, Rob DeMartino left the group to join the Rainbow team. And now his musical parts were to be performed by guitarists David Deface and Edward Pursino.
And yet the musicians coped with the task. They released the first part of The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell in early 1995. This disc was a breakthrough in the work of "Virgin steele". She conquered the fans, the fans adored her, and the fame of the group spread everywhere.
Soon the bass player returned to the line-up, which made it possible to immediately start creating the second part of the already sensational project. However, drummer Joey Ayvazian soon decided to leave the team, who wanted to completely leave show business. Frank Gilchrist was soon taken in his place. Although work on the second part of the disc "The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell" was stopped, the band continued to cherish the idea of recording it. Thus, a record called "Invictus" was released.
Musicians now
A year later, the guys created a magnificent disc "The House Of Atreus", which became the first part of the opera in the metal style. The second disc was also created without much delay in 2000, and after its release, Virgin Steele decided to change the bassist again. Now it's Joshua Block.
In 2002, two compilations were combined, consisting of hits from the past and recorded in a new sound. They also featured previously unreleased singles. The collections "Hymns To Victory" and "The Book Of Burning" were warmly received by fans and admirers of the band.
Further, in 2006 "Visions of Eden" was recorded, for which the soloist created many new tracks. The next album was released in 2010 under the name "The Black Light Bacchanalia". At the moment, the latest work is "Nocturnes of Hellfire & Damnation", released in 2015.
