VIRON „NWOGHM”

VIRON started out calling themselves SEDUCTION and they were even considered the best unsigned band from Germany, releasing two Demo CDs, “Ode To War” and “Winds Of Valhalla”. Shortly after their second release the band members went their own ways to other projects and then in late 2003 they ran into each other again and the band was reborn this time under the moniker of VIRON and this time, as a true metal band, playing their own style of metal influenced by the likes of SAXON , METALLICA and IRON MAIDEN.

I spent my youth as a dedicated Metal fan and then the music scene in America changed and went to grunge and alternative. Bands such as the likes of Blind Guardian, Manowar, Jag Panzer and HammerFall went unnoticed and I thought that bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest were a thing of the past. After listening to this CD repeatedly, I kept thinking about how far metal music has come since the “NWOBHM”. Metal genre’s have subdivided themselves into numerous categories that ultimately resulted in neglect for classic heavy metal music. So when a new band releases an unadulterated Heavy Metal album we (metal heads) hope this will be the breakthrough for traditional-based Metal to make a comeback. VIRON’s NWOGHM, offers that very potential to the metal masses!

What you hear on the CD is handmade music played by human beings. The reactions for this album has been unbelievable. Many metal fans have attested to the fact that this band has recorded one of the best German metal-albums in years. VIRON’s album title “NWOGHM” is very close to what it claims since this is exactly what this German quintet has produced! VIRON are good enough to participate in a new wave of German metal bands and are destined to be listed in the same breath as other notable German heavy metal acts such as Primal Fear, Edguy, Rage, and even Helloween and Manowar

Viron guys open the album (after the Intro) in best US speed metal-manner with the fast and melodic ““Blow the Fuse””, but they also cut down speed to insert some concise hooks and to let Alexx Stahl ́s high but clear voice room to breath.

Slowing things down a bit the song “Viron” is much more epic and stately. Showing us that Neudi ́s stylistic preferences are tight and creative and his playing are the high points during this track.

““Bound to Die”” is a heavy song made up of a fast and aggressive riff provided by an awesome twin-guitar part alternated and screaming guitar solos performed by both the two guitarists, Thilo Feucht and Roger Dequis.

Another highlight VIRON offers is the half-ballad ““Winds of Valhalla””. Dominated by epic acoustic guitar arrangements, very expressive vocals and catchy melodies which showcases the bands roots in melodic Power Metal.

Their music, the song arrangements and structures are well worked, but apart from the great riffs and solos the thing that makes Viron stand out is the vocals of Alexx Stahl who has a magnificent voice with some great interpretations of substance that will definitely magnetize the fans. Alexx’s vocals are not dissimilar to Dickinson and Gillan and the guitar duo of Feucht/Dequis is simply amazing to hear. while the Holzhauer/Neudi rhythm section is a killer combination.

From stomping mid tempo bangers with MAIDENesque influences featuring hard riffing to impressive Speed-attacks and epic in sound but not in length, these guys have what it takes to delight the traditional metal conscious head banger!

So, if your looking for something really great in the classic heavy metal vein, then don’t pass up VIRON and their offering “NWOGHM”!

note: 9/10

Tracklist

1. Sander (Intro)
2. Blow the fuse
3. Viron
4. Bound To Die
5. Winds Of Valhalla
6. For Her Majesty
7. Ride On
8. Instrumetal
9. Lucifer Arise
10. Born Out Of Light
11. Doomsday

Line-up

Alexx Stahl – Vocals
Thilo Feucht – Guitars
Roger Dequis – Guitars
Ingmar Holzhauer – Bass
Neudi – Drums