Independent Release
Review by Tony Cannella
From Germany comes the six member band Virgin Island. The band have previously released a full-length and an EP, and have now returned with their new full-length offering titled, “Fantasy or Reality?”. First thing about Virgin Island that I discovered is that the band are instantly like-able and entertaining. The songs are pretty much straight forward metal – with elements of prog and 70’s arena rock present as well. But for the most part, the songs on “Fantasy or Reality?” are hard hitting, energetic and just pure metal, with plenty of excellent guitar work and the powerhouse vocals provided by Ulrike Peetz-Kunkel. Her heavily accented vocals are pretty forceful and direct, but she also has the ability to go in an operatic range – if need be – although that is not her main style and she employs it only occasionally through this 9-song, 40-minute opus. “Disappointment” is the strong opener, great vocals, guitar work and tempo changes make this a solid beginning. Right off-the-bat Ulrike shows off her diverse singing talents. “Don’t Turn Back” is next and is driven by a galloping guitar riff. Other highlights include: “I Don’t Need”, “Fantasy or Reality?”, “Wherever You Will Go” (a great acoustic ballad) and “The End of Our Dreams”. “Sweet Hell” has an ominous tone with just a slow, grinding guitar riff, giving off an evil vibe that suits the track very well. The final number “Let’s Stop the Wars” showcases a great sing-along chorus that brings the CD to a rousing conclusion. Not a bad sophomore effort from this German band. Virgin Island are a band that is worth keeping an eye on in the future, and hopefully “Fantasy or Reality?” will lay the foundation for a bright one.
Rating – 79/100
Tracklist
- Disappointment
- Don’t Turn Back
- I Don’t Need
- Fantasy or Reality?
- Wherever You Will Go
- Let’s Get High
- The End of Our Dreams
- Sweet Hell
- Let’s Stop the Wars
Line Up
- Ulrike Peetz-Kunkel – Vocals
- Lorenz Kunkel – Lead Guitar
- Johnson Zitzelsberger – Rhythm Guitar
- Thomas Urlbauer – Keyboards
- Alexander Hiller – Bass
- Markus Urlbauer – Drums
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