All the way back in 1980, Angel Witch released their eponymous debut album.
It was (and is) a New Wave of British Heavy Metal landmark and helped to define what NWOBHM is. Spring forward a few decades and the band’s Angel of Light sees the “Witch” in super form.
Kevin Heybourne remains at the helm. This line-up is tight. Angel of Light is a monster.
Eight cracking cuts of savage riffery and big noise each one delivering the goods with plenty of nods back to the early days.
The opener – Don’t Turn Your Back – being a prime example. Check out the ripping, yet economical, intro riff which develops quickly in to a ripsnorter of a song. BOOM! We’re off and running.
Death from Andromeda follows. Another huge riff this time with a slightly darker feel to a proceedings. And it’s catchy too. Speeds along like a race horse out of the stalls. Not forgetting a furious solo from Heybourne.
It’s slightly tongue in cheek too. Have a listen and at the same time watch the cheesy sci-fi Space 1999 style video.
We are Dammed adds to the momentum. The Night is Calling I suppose could be called a ballad but it’s not. Wait until it takes off.
Condemned and Window of Despair give us more of the same before the closing duo of a powerful I am Infamy then the (arguable) stand-out of the title track. A seven minute or so piece of heavy metal controlled savagery.
Angel Witch could have traded on their name and nostalgia by going through the motions and phoning it in. Not a hint of that here. The album is fresh. It crackles and sparkles throughout from first note to last.
NWOBHM remains relevant and influential – whilst the old crew like Angel Witch produce stuff like Angel of Light, it’s in safe hands. Don’t miss out – get yours!
>> ANGEL WITCH: ANGEL OF LIGHT ON AMAZON HERE <<
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