Angel Witch
Pioneering NWOBHM band known for dark, melodic sound.
Angel Witch are a British heavy metal band formed in London in 1976, recognized as a pioneering group of the new wave of British heavy metal. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1980, is regarded as a seminal work in the genre, with the title track gaining significant airplay on BBC Radio 1's Friday Rock Show. Despite critical acclaim, the band faced management and label issues leading to an initial disbandment in 1982, though they have reformed multiple times with guitarist and vocalist Kevin Heybourne as the constant driving force.
Quick Facts
- Alias
- Lucifer
- Origin
- London, England
- Genre
- Heavy metal
- Years active
- 1976–present
- Label
- EMI
- Bronze
- Killerwatt
- Metal Blade
- Rise Above
- Crook'd
- Current members
- Kevin Heybourne
- Will Palmer
- Jimmy Martin
- Fredrik Jansson
Facts from the source article.
Biography
The band initially formed under the name Lucifer with guitarist and vocalist Kevin Heybourne, guitarist Rob Downing, drummer Steve Jones, and bassist Barry Clements. Lucifer split, and Jones joined Bruce Dickinson to form Speed. The remnants of Lucifer became Angel Witch, with Clements replaced by Kevin Riddles and Jones replaced by Steve Coleman; Downing left the following year. Angel Witch's first song to achieve mainstream popularity was "Baphomet", included on the compilation Metal for Muthas, which drew attention and led to a recording deal with EMI. The deal was cancelled due to manager Ken Heybourne refusing to hand the band over to professional management and the poor performance of their first EMI single "Sweet Danger" in 1980, which spent a single week at No. 75 on the UK Singles Chart, making them the "least successful chart act of all time" in the Guinness Book of Hit Records. Bronze Records picked up the band in 1980, and they recorded and released their self-titled debut album. After the album's release, drummer Dave Hogg was fired, and Kevin Riddles left to form Tytan. Heybourne attempted to continue Angel Witch with other musicians but declared the band's end and joined Deep Machine. Angel Witch returned to activity in 1982 when Heybourne and two musicians from Deep Machine—vocalist Roger Marsden and drummer Ricky Bruce—assembled a new line-up with bassist Jerry Cunningham. This line-up lasted a short time as Marsden's voice did not fit the band's style; he was fired and Heybourne resumed vocals.
Legacy
Mark Deming of AllMusic noted that in 1979 Angel Witch were one of the most promising bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, with a hardcore following and a modestly successful single, but bad luck, bad management, and misunderstanding record companies forced them into early retirement. Angel Witch have been cited as an influence by many notable metal bands including Metallica, Venom, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Celtic Frost, Death, Candlemass, and Megadeth, whose lead singer Dave Mustaine appeared on the February 2010 cover of Decibel magazine wearing an Angel Witch shirt. Several bands have covered Angel Witch songs, including Trouble, Six Feet Under, Blood Curse, Onslaught, Skull Fist, Battle Ram, S.A. Slayer, Exodus, and Amazing Maze. In 2007, German label Unbroken Records issued a Tribute to Angel Witch compilation album featuring 15 underground metal acts covering songs from the band's early singles and first three full-length releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Angel Witch from?
Angel Witch originated in London, England.
Which record labels has Angel Witch released music on?
Angel Witch has released music on EMI, Bronze, Killerwatt, Metal Blade, Rise Above and Crook'd.
Who are the current members of Angel Witch?
The current members of Angel Witch are listed as Kevin Heybourne, Will Palmer, Jimmy Martin and Fredrik Jansson.
More in New Wave of British Heavy Metal Musical Groups
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