Review by JD on December 18, 2010.

No matter how much metal evolves and grows, there is something to say about the classic sounds of old school metal. The music may be dated, but damn do those simple melodies and riffs still stick in your mind and refuse to go. That is why metal today is what it is, because of that pure and honest approach.

Virus X is a band that is based on the strong hooks and timeless melodies stemming out of the metallic glory of yesterday. Reminding me of such metal class acts as the timeless Judas Priest, the strongly developed Armored Saint and even some of the catchiness of Keel. It is that basis which is then punctuated with this very weird mix of Slade (80's one hit wonder) and Corrosion Of Conformity. It seems so different, yet it seems so comfortable as the old school comes out of it all.

Doing things a little more progressively sometimes can backfire and make the music loose its punch and fall flat, but not here. Adding a musical twist into the old school mix has made Virus X a stand out, but still kept the fire that the classic sound creates all. This is exactly what has happened - and in a big way. Taking that huge chance on updating a classic, it could have ended up that it all just crashed and burned, but it took off and soared instead.

It is clear that Virus X is a good band... a purveyor of the classic, but they are more than that. They update the metal, make it there own and yet stay true to the music they love. It seems to me that this band has found that balance of old school while finding their own voice in it. Metal.... ya gotta love it.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 6
Originality: 8 (old- updated)
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 7.9 out of 10