Angel Witch: Angel Witch

Pure and simple, this album is essential. Some of the best NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) this power trio of Kevin Heybourne on vocals and guitar, Kevin Riddles on bass, and Dave Hogg easily outplay any of the big five piece metal bands that came out of England in 1980 (except maybe Iron Maiden and Judas Pries). From start to finnish this album is flawless, kicking off with the title track of the album Angel Witch, from the album Angel Witch, by the band Angel Witch, that happens to be about...an Angel Witch. The intro opens with very flashy guitar playing, that eventually dissolves into a melodic opening solo, then flows into a crushing riff, and introduces not only Kevin Heybourne's phenomenal guitar playing but also his great soprano voice. Heavy metal is often criticized as being juvenile, with lyrics about fantasy, satan, and an over the top masculinity. Angel Witch include all three in their lyrics, but are far from childish, and use the aforementioned topics as metaphors for personal connection. After the title track comes my second favorite song off of the album; Atlantis. While the first song showcased the guitar playing, and vocals (Atlantis does this as well), Atlantis puts more aggression into it. Faster, heavier, and intricate bass lines Atlantis still manages to keep a great chorus to fall back on, while the verses are sung with a considerable passion.

The next song, White Witch is the third song on the album and keeps the trend of fantastic songwriting, flashy solos, and catchy choruses, but adds for the first time on the album a slow paced, distortion free, somewhat psychedelic influenced section. This song is actually a fairly sad song, about, well, a white witch, and you can listen here.

As you can see a pattern is starting to form. This album has no filler, and every song has its own unique feel and sound. The albums second to last track, Angel of Death is my personal favorite from the album. This is way before Slayer came in and ruined the term for Angel of Death for everyone (just kidding, Angel of Death by Slayer is amazing in it's own way). This song has my personal favorite riffs on the album, the one at the introduction, and the chorus. Overall, this album is absolutely stupendous. If you don't have a copy I highly recommend finding one as soon as possible, preferably on vinyl.

Full Track Listing:

1. Angel Witch

2. Atlantis

3. White Witch

4. Confused

5. Sorcerers

6.Gorgon

7. Sweet Danger

8. Free Man

9. Angel of Death

10. Devils Tower

Pros:

-The guitar

-The bass

-The songwriting

-The vocals

Cons:

-If you were growing up in and heard this in 1980, you would have to wait for five years before they released something else.

Try these songs out before you buy:

Angel Witch

Atlantis

Angel of Death (turn it up to 11 for this)