Full Length Review: Angel Witch "Angel Witch" (Bronze Records) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: Angel Witch

Location: London

Country: England

Genre: Heavy metal, NWOBHM

Full Length: Angel Witch

Format: Vinyl

Label: Bronze Records

Release date: December 1980

On my usual YouTube music escapades, I came upon “Angel Witch”, the self-titled album by the British heavy metal band of the same name “Angel Witch”. This is the first album from the band. I had vaguely heard of these guys, but never spent much time looking in to them. As it turns out, I really enjoy this album and I have a feeling it will grace my future playlists for a long time to come.

The album was released in 1980 through Bronze Records, and has had four re-releases since. The album over the years has gained mostly positive reception. Supposedly, this album has made Angel Witch one of the “key bands” in the new wave of British heavy metal.

Featuring the talent of Kevin Heybourne, Kevin Riddles, and Dave Hogg, I can imagine that fans of old-school metal all over the globe would highly enjoy sinking their teeth into this one. Apparently Angel Witch are already widely known, but as they are “mostly” new to me I plan to spend some time digging a bit deeper within their output and history.

The original release of the album featured ten tracks (and these are the ten that I have reviewed) but various re-releases and re-issues have various different bonus tracks, so I will make a point to check them out as well.

I guess when it comes down to it, I am really trying to push this band on you. Fans of Black Sabbath and acts such as Megadeth are sure to enjoy this one. I read in one negative review that the production was not the greatest, but personally, this type of production is exactly what I am looking for. Old-school and grainy, it manages to transport you to the atmosphere of a seedy pub or bar…and even though I haven’t touched alcohol in forever…that is always highly enjoyable, isn’t it? Listen to this album! –Devin Joseph Meaney

Lineup:

Kevin Heybourne: Vocals, guitars

Kevin "Skids" Riddles: Bass, keyboards, backing vocals

Dave Hogg: Drums, percussion

Track list:

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. Devil's Tower