End of June see the release of a new album by US-Metal Legends from VIRGIN STEELE. THE PASSION OF DIONYSUS is the first new studio album since 8 Years and another masterpiece in their long time career. Time for a exclusive interview with mastermind and singer David DeFeis.
What can you tell us about the new Album and the story behind it?
Yes I can. What the album discusses, and what Dionysus embodies and what our tale here concerns, is an epic struggle to the death between the twin forces of control/restraint and freedom/release, and whether or not there is room in society for the irrational, the wild…the “letting go” aspects of ourselves. Ultimately it concludes that a space or a place for the irrational must be allowed in order for society to exist, function properly and continue to thrive. When one opposes or denies a place for the irrational like King Pentheus does in our tale, then the person, place, thing or society will be ripped apart…exactly like what comes to be the ultimate fate of Pentheus.
Science has shown us that even rats need escape from absolute reality!
“THE PASSON OF DIONYSUS” album depicts an epic struggle, between the twin forces of control/restraint and freedom/release. In addition, it depicts the passion or suffering of the God…his struggles, his great betrayal at the hands of those he trusted…his rage, his frustration, his death, & his resurrection, and on another level this Work also portrays and expresses what the God dearly loves…or is most “passionate” about. That being said, embedded within this offering lurks another duality…something else is also simultaneously going on…
I will add this…here is something I wrote for the SYNOPSIS that appears in the booklet:
The God’s ambiguity is the key to his nature. When he is in the form of “The Stranger” he says, “ Dionysus is a God in perfect essence; a terrible one but to humankind most gentle”. In this Work Dionysus is both inside and outside or above all of the action that takes place. He is divine and human, physically beautiful and intensely fearsome and intimidating. He dwells at the cusp of empires/civilizations, as his origins are both Greek and Asiatic. His various cult names do give a bit of insight as regards his relationship with humanity. He is sometimes called Bromios-“The Roaring One”, and Lysios-“The God Of Letting Go”. Dionysus brings the gift of wine, which in moderation allows mortals to let go…leave off their troubles their worries…relax and renew. With his festivals, Theatrical spectacles…and the various celebrations of his rites, humans can let go of their individuality and find a communal sacred “oneness”, ultimately realizing that they too can become the God…the God lives in all his followers and what Dionysus can do his followers can do…ultimately live better and triumph over death…resurrect. But yes on the flip side…there is a potential dark aspect…for with loss of self-control and gratuitous excess…(one sip too much)… the festivities can become destructive…murderous…where “The Roaring One” overpowers…judgment is not only impaired, but suspended…insanity triumphs, possession or “madness” ensues and mere mortals cast off, or “let go” the very essence of their humanity.
Any tour plans in the future, especially Germany?
We are performing in Spain & Crete in August and we are making plans for Italy & Greece in late autumn early winter…so Germany should not be far behind as well.
Your voice is still powerful and crystal clear, what do you do to stay in this perfect shape?
Hey thanks so very much for your kind words! I consciously try to keep my health in order…maintain my mind, body & spirit…and I do vocalize, and I also try to incorporate different vocal exercises to help maintain what I was given. It isn’t always easy, as I do sing quite violently, but thus far things have been working. On this album I did approach each song as if it would be my last will and testament kind of thing…I mean in truth I always do approach every song on every album like that, but the subject matter and the lyrics on this album demanded an even greater recklessness, violence and fearlessness, so I approached everything from a standpoint of creating violent beauty with the voice. I think this is one of the most violent albums we have ever done in terms of the lyrics, the attitude and the performances from all. It is quite an angry release.
Have you got hobbies or interests besides music?
Interests yes…hobbies not really…I enjoy Wine with a capital “W”…real socializing face to face, exploring the island where I live, reading, films, and such…
The band is a very long time in the business, what do you think about the changes in the scene with all the streams, internet and so on. Was it better in the 80ties for a rock band?
I try not to think about it. The Internet doesn’t interest me. Yes it is faster to reach an audience…but all that algorithm, analytic bullshit has nothing to do with music…Making the music too accessible often dilutes its power, and charm and makes people think of it as background only…It was better when you had to go to the record store.
Your partner on Guitar Edward Pursino is now 40 years on your side, what makes this connection so strong?
We were friends before VIRGIN STEELE began…We have been playing together since we were about 15 years old…We share similar musical ideologies and we have a wonderful musical chemistry and can easily improvise together and lead each other to new heights in the onstage musical realm.
Have you any message for your fans in Europe or something you like to say?
Yes. Cheers, thanks for listening and being involved with the music of VIRGIN STEELE all these years! We look forward to meeting you all again in the months ahead! Thanks so very much for a lifetime of Magick memories! Salute!!!
Hail & BY THE GODS & GODDESSES,
David DeFeis
June 7, 2023
The new album „The Passion Of Dionysus“ will be released on June 30th, 2023 worldwide through SPV/Steamhammer as CD DigiPak (incl. poster and 24 pages booklet), 2LP Gatefold (in purple-violet vinyl), CD/LP bundle with shirt (only at the Steamhammer Shop), download and stream: https://VirginSteele.lnk.to/ThePassionOfDionysus
