Angel Witch has seen several different incarnations over the years, both in the U.S. and the U.K., with the only unifying element being guitarist/vocalist Kevin Heybourne. They've broken up, re-formed, hired, fired, re-hired, relocated, and been juggled by record labels, but this album was their shining moment, a gleaming slab of NWOBHM history that stands proud alongside albums like Lighning To The Nations and Iron Maiden (all three albums were released the same year). Angel Witch has an almost HC punk speed and intensity, coupled with an insane amount of virtuoso-esque shredding and swaggering pub-bloke vocals. Bear in mind: In 1979, Iron Maiden was opening FOR Angel Witch. This is great shit.
Also, I'm rather fond of a band with the balls to name a song AND an album after themselves (see also: Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath). Something about Angel Witch, "Angel Witch", from the album Angel Witch, just FEELS right to me.
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TRIVIA TIME: Which other metal bands did the whole band name/song name/album name thing? Go!
Below: Heybourne.
If I remember correctly, Paradise Lost trumped everyone by naming their first album 'Lost Paradise' and by having songs titled 'Paradise Lost' and 'Lost Paradise'... That's audacity.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job. I never would have thought of that one, and yet it is the same concept squared, inverted, and then squared again. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteMetal Church's Metal Church off Metal Church. Bad Company's Bad Company off Bad Company.
ReplyDeleteI said "metal bands", sean. Metal Church doesn't count.
ReplyDeleteouch! in regards to metal church LOL.
ReplyDeleteAm reviewing ronny munro's new album - apparently I cant just submit the word "shite" instead of a 500 word review....
Link is down, bro.
ReplyDelete