(Kickass cover art borders NWOBHM and Doom)
Legendary NWOBHM band Angel Witch are coming out with their first full-length album ever since Frontal Assault hit the stores at 1986! That is, if we're not counting their album "Resurrection", which was compilation of never before released demotapes between 1987-1998 or something close to that. The new album - called "As Above, So Below" - is released by both "Rise Above" and "Nuclear Blast" record labels, and is coming out at least in CD and 2-LP packages. The release date will be 12th March 2012 in Europe, and 27th March 2012 in North America by Rise Above, and 20th March by Nuclear blast (also in US as I understood).
Angel Witch was one of the original NWOBHM bands along with other english bands of the genre such as Diamond Head, Saxon, Demon, and Iron Maiden - formed early as 1976 under name Lucifer by guitarist/vocalist Kevin Heyborne, who is only original member left today. The band changed their name to Angel Witch at 1978 and released their first demo year later. At 1980 their first full length album "Angel Witch" (S/t) saw the light, and is today considered as one of the very classics - one of the cornerstones of NWOBHM. Their two later full lengths included "Screamin' n' Bleedin'" at 1985, and "Frontal Assault" at 1986, which saw them taking a turn towards more traditional, heavier but less doomy and crisp tone. This caused controversy among fans, although many still consider those two records good albums on their own right. Well, now "they" are back.
The new lineup seems to consist of Kevin Heybourne (Guitar/Vocals), only original member left. According to wikipedia, they have also acquired Bill Steer as secondary guitarist, and if he made it to the recordings of the album, it should be considerably interesting. Steer is known as the former of the band Carcass, and his work with Napalm Death also. The rest of the two members are Will Palmer (Bass), and Andy Prestridge (Drums, ex-Winters).
The new album has eight tracks, of which at least four are recordings of the songs, originally written decades ago. "Dead Sea Scrolls" and "Witching Hour" both are from 1983-1984, while "Into The Dark" and "Guillotine" date even prior to those years. That's pretty cool, and by listening the song down below called Dead Sea Scrolls, I would say that at least that song nods closer to the debut than Screamin' N' Bleedin'. Gloomy melodies, rocking NWOBHM riffage and vocals, plus crisp old fashioned guitar sound is back! While the production might be slightly more modern, the style is definitely classic Angel Witch! Hopefully the rest of the album goes along the same tracks. Listen below and share your thoughts!
01. Dead Sea Scrolls
02. Into the Dark
03. Gebura
04. The Horla
05. Witching Hour
06. Upon this Cord
07. Guillotine
08. Brainwashed
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