IN VIRTUE: Age of Legends, Sisyphus, and Rolling the Damn Boulder | MRP #068
The Metal Robot Podcast (2026-01-12) Six years. Fourteen tracks. One deeply flawed protagonist pushing a metaphorical boulder uphill while questioning his entire existence.
Tonight, we are joined by Trey Xavier of In Virtue for a deep dive into Age of Legends—a cinematic, emotionally raw concept album inspired by the myth of Sisyphus, but stripped of fantasy escapism and grounded in real-world vulnerability.
The conversation pulls back the curtain on the album’s turbulent creation, including the moment their producer vanished with just 10% left to finish, forcing the band into full DIY mode. Trey discuss how that disruption reshaped the record, strengthened its emotional core, and ultimately helped them deliver the most unified and intentional release of their career.
Beyond the production chaos, the interview explores how In Virtue balances progressive complexity with accessibility, why they deliberately avoided the “prog homework” trap, and how cinematic sound design, recurring musical motifs, and layered synth work elevate the album’s narrative without overwhelming the listener.
If you’re into concept albums that reward deep listening without requiring a notebook, riffs that hit hard while still leaving room for introspection, and metal that treats emotional honesty as a strength—not a gimmick—this episode is required listening.
🎧 Hit play, turn your phone off, and roll the boulder with us, cause it’s heavy as fuck and my arms are tired…
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CREDITS
Written & Directed by: Tom McKay
Produced by: Tom McKay
Podcast Mixed with: Audition CC
Original Music by: Tom McKay
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