ALBUM REVIEW: Angel of Light – Angel Witch

November 8, 2019 Jessica Howkins

There is no denying ANGEL WITCH and their influence on the heavy metal genre. They helped shape some of the greatest bands of today because of their music, and with a debut like Angel Witch, it’s easy to see why. Fast forward four decades and the band have seen four more studio releases and a dramatic number of lineup changes. Now in 2019, ANGEL WITCH are back with their release Angel of Light.

One of the most loved characteristics that the band have is their speed and menace. It’s that that is noticeable in other bands music nowadays and despite many other bands stemming from NWOBHM, ANGEL WITCH are well deserving of credit for encouraging others to have that style, because without it, we would be left in a duller world.

Don’t Turn Your Back kicks off the album with exactly that fast and furious sound that we have loved from day one from ANGEL WITCH. Unfortunately that zest that the band carry in their sound doesn’t hit the mark throughout the rest of the album. Death from Andromeda feels as though it is dragged out for minutes too long, and although it isn’t a bad track, it doesn’t feel like there is much heart in it. Tracks such as Window of Despair and Condemned hit back a little harder and are proof that it isn’t a case of ANGEL WITCH losing their touch, it is just simply not packed with the punch that was expected.

What makes Angel of Light so special on the other hand is that this album has that authentic feel that blasts you into the past and makes you feel almost nostalgic about when NWOBHM was taking over the world. The production, despite being modernised, feels tinged with the past and the riff work echoes from the band’s debut.

This is without a doubt an ANGEL WITCH release through and through, and it may not be as catching as was originally hoped, it is certainly made up for in other areas. Aforementioned, this band have seen a large amount of band members pass through, but their is a level of musicianship that can only come from the most professional and dedicated of people. It is a testament to the band that even though Angel of Light isn’t getting top marks, they are able to still achieve a fun, well-crafted album that will certainly open the gates for all listeners, new and old to enjoy.

Rating: 6/10

Angel of Light is out now via Metal Blade Records.

Like ANGEL WITCH on Facebook.