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Exorcist - Nightmare Theatre, the 1986 Virgin Steele 12" vinyl LP, delivers a dark and captivating heavy metal experience. With haunting melodies, powerful performances, and memorable songwriting, it remains a must-have for metal enthusiasts. The album's ominous atmosphere and occult themes make it a standout in the genre, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
Before they became the legendary power metal outfit known as Virgin Steele, the band briefly operated under a different and little-known moniker: Exorcist. This name was used for a one-off album project that remains a fascinating piece of heavy metal history. The album was released in 1986 and showcased a raw, speed-metal sound that contrasted sharply with the grandiose style Virgin Steele would later become famous for. Here’s a deeper dive into this enigmatic release and its significance.
The Birth of Exorcist
The story of Exorcist is rooted in the mid-1980s, a time when heavy metal was evolving into subgenres like thrash, speed, and power metal. Virgin Steele, formed in 1981, was already gaining traction with albums like Guardians of the Flame (1983) and Noble Savage (1985), which leaned towards melodic and epic metal. However, as legend has it, a combination of creative curiosity and contractual obligations led to the creation of the Exorcist project.
Operating under the pseudonym “Exorcist,” the band members reportedly explored a darker, grittier sound. The exact lineup of the project has been the subject of speculation, but it’s widely believed that David DeFeis, Virgin Steele’s charismatic frontman, and Edward Pursino, the band’s guitarist, were heavily involved in crafting Exorcist.
The Album: A Raw Speed-Metal Assault
Released in 1986, Exorcist was a striking departure from Virgin Steele’s signature style. The album’s raw production, breakneck speed, and occult-themed lyrics placed it firmly in the realm of speed metal. Tracks like ‘Black Mass,’ ‘The Trial,’ and ‘Riding to Hell’ channeled an unrelenting energy that echoed the likes of Slayer, Venom, and early Metallica. The vocals, harsher and more aggressive than DeFeis’ usual operatic style, added to the sense of menace.
The album’s themes of demonic possession, black magic, and apocalyptic visions were a far cry from the mythological and romantic concepts Virgin Steele fans were accustomed to. Yet, these elements gave Exorcist a cult appeal among fans of the burgeoning extreme metal scene.
Why “Exorcist”?
The choice to use the Exorcist name was strategic. Virgin Steele’s label at the time, Cobra Records, allegedly sought to tap into the growing demand for darker, heavier metal. By creating a side project under a new name, the band could experiment with a different style without alienating their core audience. The Exorcist album also allowed Virgin Steele to fulfill certain contractual commitments without interfering with their main body of work.
Legacy of Exorcist
Though Exorcist never became a household name, the album has achieved cult status among metal collectors and enthusiasts. Its raw energy and uncompromising heaviness remain a testament to the band’s versatility and willingness to push boundaries. Over time, the album has been reissued on CD and vinyl, keeping its legacy alive.
For Virgin Steele, the Exorcist project was a stepping stone. It demonstrated their ability to master diverse styles within the metal genre, foreshadowing the innovation and ambition that would define albums like Age of Consent (1988) and The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1994-1995).
Exorcist - Nightmare Theatre, the 1986 Virgin Steele 12" vinyl LP, delivers a dark and captivating heavy metal experience. With haunting melodies, powerful performances, and memorable songwriting, it remains a must-have for metal enthusiasts. The album's ominous atmosphere and occult themes make it a standout in the genre, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
Power Thrash Death Metal
Cobra Roadrunner RR 9700
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1986 Made in Holland
The album: "Nightmare Theatre" was produced by: The Lion
Sound Engineer Dr Metal
To learn more about Chris “Dr Metal” Bubacz and his legendary contributions to Heavy Metal sound engineering, visit our dedicated webpage .
Recorded at the Sonic Sound Studio, Freeport, New York
All songs by Damain Rath and Marc Dorian
The front cover of the album Exorcist - Nightmare Theatre is a haunting and vividly gruesome visual that perfectly encapsulates the horror-themed atmosphere of the music. The artwork features four grotesque, zombie-like figures illuminated by dramatic and eerie lighting. The figures are decayed and disfigured, with rotting flesh, exposed skulls, and ghoulish expressions, creating a chilling sense of dread.
The colour palette is dominated by dark tones, with flashes of red, blue, and green providing a nightmarish glow that highlights the macabre details of the zombies. The band name, Exorcist, is displayed at the top in a jagged, blood-red font, with the album title Nightmare Theatre written below it in smaller, subtle lettering.
The overall aesthetic of the cover is raw and unsettling, evoking the imagery of 1980s horror films. It sets the tone for the album’s dark, occult, and speed-metal themes, making it a striking piece of visual art that complements the aggressive and sinister music within.
The record label for Exorcist - Nightmare Theatre features a simple, clean design with a beige background. At the top, the iconic Roadrunner Records logo is prominently displayed in bold red text, with a large ‘R’ in a rectangular outline. Below the logo, the title of the album, Nightmare Theater, is printed in quotation marks in bold uppercase letters.
The label provides standard album details, such as “Side 1,” the stereo designation, and the catalog number “RR 9700” on the left-hand side. On the right, it specifies “33 RPM,” the rights organization “STEMRA,” and the copyright year, 1986. Around the outer edge, there is a fine print disclaimer about reproduction and broadcasting rights.
At the bottom, the production credits mention that the songs were written by Damian Rath and Marc Dorian, published by Deathtone Music, and produced by David DeFeis. It also credits 1986 Cobra Productions and notes the album was made in Holland under Roadrunner Productions B.V.
Virgin Steele's eponymous 1982 debut album, released on 12" Vinyl LP (MFN 1) via Music For Nations, captivates with a diverse sonic journey. From the electrifying "Danger Zone" to the anthemic "Dead End Kids" and the heartfelt ballad "Still In Love With You," the record showcases the band's raw power and musical versatility, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.
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Exorcist - Nightmare Theatre, the 1986 Virgin Steele 12" vinyl LP, delivers a dark and captivating heavy metal experience. With haunting melodies, powerful performances, and memorable songwriting, it remains a must-have for metal enthusiasts. The album's ominous atmosphere and occult themes make it a standout in the genre, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
Learn more