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In Virtue: Delusions of Grandeur EP
In Virtue Delusions of Grandeur EP new music review

In Virtue: Delusions of Grandeur EP

Heavy/Power Metal
Rating: 3.5/5.0

Independent/Self-promotion
www.invirtue.net
www.myspace.com/invirtue
Review: Craig Hartranft,  01.31.2010

Upstart American power metal band In Virtue hails from the heavy metal soil of the San Francisco Bay Area. Their Delusions of Grandeur EP is the first recording, and it shows true skill and promise. Hardly an uncommon thing, In Virtue is fronted by Corinne Reif, who is not only a strong and versatile vocalist, but also has a Master's degree in voice. Yet she is only one part of the equation as founders Trey Xavier (g,v) and Greg Horton (g) are savvy players and composers. However, you may not know this from the first minute or so of the opener Paralyzed which offers a slow start and the possibility of flat production and an lazy performance throughout this disc. Fortunately, the song builds, the performance energizes and, well, the production is still a bit muted. In the end it proves to be an fine arrangement with strong and varied movements, and this you can expect as you listen on. Nevertheless, the better songs follow this one.

Fatal Eclipse and Dreamwalker show better sonic imagination with some subtle prog tones, and we begin to see the depth of Ms. Reif's vocal talent. However, without disparaging her skill or sound song craftsmanship, Reif seems needlessly constrained by the arrangements, having much more to give. Still, one listen to the beautiful, and best track on the album, Heather, and even this opinion is up for serious debate. Fellow players offer sturdy support throughout with some crafty fret work (Dreamwalker, Fatal Eclipse) and a strong rhythm section. Strangely out of place on this work is the final instrumental Underture. I'm not sure what this is, but it's not metal. Prog rock, possibly? Or maybe some simple studio fun?

Conversely, Delusions of Grandeur is weakened by several difficulties. I'm still unconvinced about the level of production here, still feeling it to be subdued and lackluster. (This will probably improve on their next work as they are recruiting engineer Jason D' Ottavio from Shrapnel Records.) Often it sounds like the knobs were purposely turned back to five when they should have been eleven the entire time. Additionally, In Virtue incorporates a moderate degree of death vocals throughout. Frankly, they're annoying and unnecessary. At times they sound like either somebody is chucking their oats while Ms. Reif sings or cookie monster is jumping out from behind an amp to interrupt. I can't help wondering if they've been added because its "the latest trend" by expectation or commercial viability.

Despite certain misgivings, In Virtue's Delusions of Grandeur is a solid, creative, and convincing first start for the band. They have the depth of skill and creativity to be both promising metal contenders and recognized peers in the genre. Recommended.

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In Short

Despite certain misgivings, In Virtue's Delusions of Grandeur is a solid, creative, and convincing first start for the band. They have the depth of skill and creativity to be both promising metal contenders and recognized peers in the genre.

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