Date: 2019
Total Time: 48:02
Label: Metal Blade
ANGEL WITCH is a British Heavy Metal band, formed in 1977 with only founding member, singer and guitarist Kevin Heybourne. The band is considered one of the pioneers of the NWOBHM music genre. The band released their self-titled album on March 12, 1980 via “Bronze Records”. This album has received great reviews and is considered to be one of the most representative of the British Heavy Metal. After releasing two more albums (“Screamin ‘n’ Bleedin'” – 1985, “Frontal Assault” – 1986) and disbanding twice more in the 80’s, the new millennium found them reconnected with Will Palmer (stable to this day) on bass, Bill Steer (Carcass, Napalm Death) on guitar and Andy Prestige on drums. So in 2019 and with another band formation once again, came “Angel Of Light” to find the “incomplete track” of the completion and the “puzzle” of NWOBHM’s revival, after HOLOCAUST, TYGERS OF PAN TANG and DIAMOND HEAD.
Before I start analyzing the album, I would like to quote the following: I am generally in favor of reviving the older music currents and the “second chance”, but only when all these old “historical” groups have something to offer. Otherwise we are talking about “recycling” of music and relentless releases of this glorious past.
Fortunately, with “Angel Of Light” ANGEL WITCH did not fall completely into this trap, as there are good ideas in the guitar parts (galloping riffs, rhythmic solos), somewhat reminiscent of this “spark” and “madness” of the past. In general, the songs on this album are at least “decent” and “honest”, with an average duration of six minutes, talking about myths and spells, with special prog and doom moments such as the single “Don’t Turn Your Back”, ” Death From Andromeda ”,“ We Are Damned ”,“ The Night Is Calling ”(which was even adapted by Nemesis – the pre-CANDLEMASS band of Leif Edling), as well as the very good self-titled song, reminiscent of old ones PSYCHOTIC WALTZ, CRIMSON GLORY and CANDLEMASS, thus creating a heavy dark atmosphere overall.
Although “Angel Of Light” is a click better than their previous work, the points where the album is lame are perhaps at the somewhat “sluggish” vocals that are “back” as also its “concentrated” and heavier production, resulting in the absence of this “live” sound and this “sick” IRON MAIDEN-ish 80’s feeling with Di’Anno, that existed in their first album…
Rating: 6,5/10
Editor: Nikos Mathiopoulos
Related Link: ANGEL WITCH – Official Page
