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