What a tale of the nearly man is Kevin Heybourne. I think most people know the night that Iron Maiden were chosen by EMI, but it was actually Angel Witch that the record company had come to sign. Depending on who you believe, Angel Witch thought it was a formality that they were going to be signed to a contract by EMI. Kevin had way too many alcoholic beverages and the performance was a shambles. Maiden played a blinder, as they always did, and the rest is history. Life has a way of teaching you a lesson, I guess. They still got a contract with Bronze records and the first product of that was this NWOBHM classic.
The album kicks in with the title track and boom. The sound was very similar to what Maiden were doing, complete with harmonies. The song has a killer riff, and I love the hook. Atlantis is next, and this is my favourite Angel Witch song ever. Great riff and superb harmonies. This is one of the best songs from the whole NWOBHM. White Witch follows and I love the change in pace in the middle section, creating great dynamics. Confused is up next. I love this song it’s way ahead of its time. Listen to the riff and groove, no one else was doing this at the time. Killer harmonies as well. Sorcerers closes out Side1. What an epic way to close out the side. A very evil sounding chord progression, eerie vocals, plus a very NWOBHM middle eight. That’s a killer side of music!!!
Gorgon kicks off Side 2. What a superb opening with the spooky far away guitars before the main riff blasts in. Great tune with an epic instrumental ending. Sweet Danger follows, this was the first single released, and what band does this remind you of? A great uptempo rocker with a cool chorus. Free Man is the big build up number, a very cool slower song with some great guitar from Kevin. Angel Of Death is next up. A very heavy evil riff opens the song up, and very apt considering the subject matter. They are the kings of the killer middle eight. Devils Tower closes out the album with an almost classical guitar intro, and the main riff has a very demonic feel. A killer instrumental to go out on. I don’t think this album gets the credit it deserves, it was a very influential album for what came after.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
