VIRON – NWOGHM

Markus Jüllich, the drummer of Crematory, had the idea of creating a band around singer Alexx Stahl to play “true” Metal against all the current music trends. His efforts resulted in the formation of Seduction and the release of two demos. Strangely, the band called it a day after the second release, putting an early end in Seduction’s biography.

Actually, though, that wasn’t the end of this band because Alexx Stahl (vocals), Thilo Feucht (guitars), Ingmar Holzhauer, and Neudi (drums) decided to join forces for the second time to form Viron. The line-up was completed with ex-Economist guitar player Roger Dequis. Viron immediately entered Kohlekeller Studio to record their debut EP called NWOGHM which stands for “New Wave of German Heavy Metal.” This release drew the attention of several European record labels, and Viron selected the Greek label named Sonic Age Records.

Their first full-length album has the same name as the EP, and features all the same songs except the two Exxplorer covers. Viron’s sound comes from the German Power Metal scene, with bands like Hammerfall, Helloween, and Running Wild. Stalh’s vocals are ideal for this kind of music, as he easily performs the high-pitched notes without losing power.

“Sander” is the title of the album intro, which can be considered a telephone gag that has the band “singing” the main riff of AC/DC’s gem “Thunderstruck.” “Blow the Fuse” is next, starting with a guitar riff that reminds of Running Wild’s glorious days, and continues with a fast-tempo rhythm section and memorable chorus lines.

“Viron” has a slow and heavy rhythm section that leads to the epic epilogue of the song, with some melodic twin guitar riffs. In the next track, “Bound to Die,” you can find some tempo changes and breaks with fast drums and high-pitched vocals where some Primal Fear influences can be found. The clean guitar arpeggios in “Winds of Valhalla” reveal the epic side of Viron’s music profile reminding of Manowar’s best moments when they were writing music instead of filming DVDs. “For Her Majesty” comprises a heavy and solid rhythm section, as well as some very good guitar licks and solos. The classic European Power Metal composing pattern can be found within “Ride On,” while the next track is what the title states, “Instrumental,” and has catchy guitar melodies.

The references in the German Metal scene continue during “Lucifer Arise,” where the guitars carry the Grave Digger mark. Next is the fast-tempo “Born Out of Light,” where Stahl justifies Jüllich’s choice to form a band around him with his clear and powerful voice. The album closes with the epic hymn “Doomsday,” where the band sounds more confident than performing in the narrow space of the classic Power Metal scene.

Overall, Viron have definitely succeeded in gathering the finest moments of the German Metal scene in one album. The band members should consider following the epic path, where they seem to have strong composing and performing potential. So, why waste time mulling over this review? Instead, hear them for yourself by requesting a Viron song as soon as the MER DJ is on-line?