ANGEL WITCH – Angel of Light (Album Review)

Influential

Angel Witch have been credited with being an influential band in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement in the early 1980s. By that time they had been around for several years but fortunately, their eponymous debut did not emerge until 1980. It was the track “Baphomet” which first garnered attention.

The UK band managed another two subsequent albums up to 1986 (Screamin’ n’ Bleedin’ and Frontal Assault) but they were never a settled unit. Despite maintaining regular releases throughout the years, Angel Witch have gone through a barely believable 27 members. Yes, twenty-seven. The only constant has been guitarist/vocalist Kevin Heybourne who gives the band their distinctive sound, which is fortunate.

Heybourne is joined by Will Palmer, on bass since 2008, Jimmy Martin on guitars (2015) and Fredrik Jansson on drums (2016).

No change

So, after 40 years in the business and 27 members through the ranks, it is remarkable that the sound has hardly changed at all. Angel of Light could have been released in 1982 and nobody would have said: “wow, they’ve changed a lot since their debut”.

That is by no means a criticism, it’s just the way Angel Witch operate. There are crunching, grinding riffs and Heybourne’s vocals are very distinctive. Added to that quality solos and it is one for NWoBHM fans, past and present.

From the outset it is clear what is ahead. The pacey, tuneful opener “Don’t Turn Your Back” has all the attributes of both the NWoBHM and Angel Witch, and there’s no looking back.

Past and present

Angel of Light does not exactly reinvent the wheel, but what it does is reinforce all the reasons why we like rock and this genre in particular. If you’re new to the NWoBHM this is worth an investment and if you’ve been around for a while (ahem..) you’ll rekindle your love for it. 

Angel of Light is out November 1, on Metal Blade Records.

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Sparky

Also, find more of my CGCM reviews and photos here: Sparky