Review by Felix on May 28, 2023.

Double strike! Fasten seat belts, because "Angel Cry" and "End of Time" kick off the ninth full-length of Sabina and her instrumental supporters in a very impressive way. A smooth riff creates a frictionless flow, the chorus connects a somehow cosmic guitar with the background inferno and sticks in the mind in a matter of seconds, while the energizing speed of the song completes the picture. "End of Time" scores with its dynamic tempo changes, the high degree of pressure and the effective, drilling chorus. After many, too many albums without real killer tracks, these two fireworks light up the sky in the most glittering colours. With a view to the discography of Holy Moses, this opening begs the question of whether "Strength Power Will Passion" is able to endanger the top position of "Finished With the Dogs". Unfortunately, the masterpiece from the year 1987 remains untouched, not only for nostalgic reasons.

This is not to say that the album has nothing else to offer than its first two highlights. The easily memorable chorus of the rapid "I Will" leaves its mark in view of the effective back vocals and the mid-harsh "Sacred Crystals" connects crude melodies during the verses with an intensifying chorus. Needless to say that the barking of Sabina adds the extra portion of rudeness. Nevertheless, the record does not achieve the density and intensity of the band's reference work. Songs like the double bass driven "Symbol of Spirit" are absolutely okay, but this highly appreciated pinch of insanity is missing. Anyway, the here presented work confirms the upward trend of "Disorder of the Order". Rather boring pieces like the slow-moving "Space Clearing" remain exceptional, because a proper number of ominous leads offer good entertainment.

Some parts of the songs border on punk and hardcore. The staccato of the back vocals and the stubbornness of the unswerving gang point in this direction as well. Finally, the voluntary renunciation of unusual or even progressive song patterns underlines the weakness of the band members for simple music. Admittedly, the album fails to transport the feeling of juvenile anger which is typical for hardcore formations, but I do not think that Holy Moses had the intention to create the most impulsive approach. Instead, the full-length shows a more or less mature facet of the formation. Sabina and her motivated guys are able to channel their energy in a clever way. I still worship the aspiration for total annihilation that Holy Moses celebrated on "Finished with the Dogs", but the accurate method on "Strength Power Will Passion" commands respect, too. No doubt, the second half of the full-length is not overloaded with brilliant compositions (the verses of "Rebirthing" are lent from "In the Slaughterhouse", albeit in a slightly weaker configuration), but the sharp guitar sound and the authentic mentality of the protagonists form solid tracks. Give it a try, the two openers alone are worth the money.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by JD on January 17, 2012.

The power and passion of shredding metal is one of the things that makes us all love this music so much. I have found the one album that has made me fall in love with a prog styled power/shred style all over again in the form of a American based band called In Virtue.

Crossing the metallic attack of pure Power Metal with the virtuosity a'la Yngwie Malmsteen style shred and then add in the breakneck speed of Dragonforce, In Virtue is perfect unification of all of that along with having the musical dominating force of one of the best female vocalists I have heard of (The Infamous Ms.C).

Shredding guitars have not sounded so good, as the twin guitar attacking team of Gregory Horton and Trey Xavier power through ten of the most intense and well written metal in a long while. Songs like 'Witch Hunt' and 'Dead Black Eyes' show the perfect blended balance of musicality, lyrics and the force of nature that is shredding all of which hold the listeners captivated and in a state of deep awe.

In looking at this album, and listening to it a few times over - the truth is as clear as you can get it. When a band such as In Virtue holds that perfect coordination while keeping it as heavy as they do throughout the entire album you get a band that appeals to every Metalhead and all musicians. Looking for awesome shred that is not boring and a whole shit load of freaks alike, I have what you need with In Virtue.

Dragonforce never got this good at any point for me or were they ever this interesting. In Virtue is the perfect model of what Dragonforce needed to be right from the start, yet they never did get. This band got it right, and the metal world should take note really fast. These guys shred, but also play great music.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9
Originality: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.1 out of 10