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Angel Witch

From Alfawiki
Angel Witch
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1976 in London, England
FounderKevin Heybourne
Headquarters
London
,
England
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Kevin Heybourne (lead guitar and lead vocals)
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances
Number of employees
4 (current lineup)
Websitewww.facebook.com/AngelWitchOfficial/

Angel Witch is a British heavy metal group that originated in London in 1976 and is widely acknowledged as one of the forerunners of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM).

Initially established under the name Lucifer by guitarist and vocalist Kevin Heybourne, the ensemble experienced multiple lineup adjustments before settling on the name Angel Witch in 1978, with Heybourne remaining the constant figurehead. Their eponymous debut record, Angel Witch, launched in 1980 through Bronze Records, is regarded as a landmark release within the NWOBHM movement, featuring the title song that gained significant exposure on BBC Radio 1's Friday Rock Show.

Although they achieved critical acclaim, difficulties with management and their label led to their first dissolution in 1982. The band reassembled in 1984 and has since undergone several breaks and personnel shifts, with Heybourne consistently at the helm. Their career highlights include headlining major events such as Bloodstock Open Air in 2009 and issuing their fifth studio album, Angel of Light, in 2019 under Metal Blade Records.

Mark Deming of AllMusic observed that Angel Witch fused the fundamental sounds of Black Sabbath with the intensity characteristic of Motörhead. They are distinguished by their dark, melodic style combined with occult-inspired lyrics, maintaining a lasting influence across heavy metal subgenres including thrash, speed, doom, and extreme metal.

Formation

The band’s origins trace back to Lucifer, formed by guitarist/vocalist Kevin Heybourne alongside guitarist Rob Downing, drummer Steve Jones, and bassist Barry Clements. After Lucifer disbanded, Jones joined Bruce Dickinson’s Speed. The remaining members rebranded as Angel Witch, replacing Clements with Kevin Riddles and Jones with Steve Coleman. Downing departed shortly thereafter.

Limited chart success, brief record deal

Angel Witch attracted attention through their track "Baphomet" featured on the compilation Metal for Muthas, which secured them a recording contract with EMI. Nevertheless, this agreement was terminated when manager Ken Heybourne declined to transition to professional management, coupled with the underwhelming performance of their 1980 single "Sweet Danger," which lingered only one week at No. 75 on the UK Singles Chart. This placed them among the least successful charting acts documented in the Guinness Book of Hit Records, a category also including NWOBHM contemporaries Grand Prix.

Debut album

In 1980, Angel Witch signed with Bronze Records, who released their debut album titled Angel Witch.

Break-ups and reunions

Following their initial release, internal changes saw Dave Hogg dismissed and Kevin Riddles depart to form Tytan. Heybourne briefly joined Deep Machine before reviving Angel Witch in 1982 with Deep Machine members Roger Marsden (vocals), Ricky Bruce (drums), and bassist Jerry Cunningham. Marsden was soon replaced by Heybourne on vocals.

By 1983, Angel Witch had ceased operations once more, with Heybourne moving on to Blind Fury. The band reformed in 1984 featuring bassist Peter Gordelier (formerly of Marquis De Sade), vocalist Dave Tattum, and returning drummer Dave Hogg. This lineup produced Screamin' N' Bleedin. For their next album Frontal Assault, Spencer Hollman replaced Hogg on drums; this record introduced more melodic influences that marked a departure from their earlier style.

After releasing Tattum in 1986, Angel Witch continued performing intermittently as a trio and recorded a live album entitled Live in 1989.

Formation of the American lineup

Heybourne intended to relocate the band to the United States; however, other members preferred to maintain their established lives in the UK. As a result, an American incarnation of Angel Witch was assembled, comprising Heybourne, bassist Jon Torres (associated with Lȧȧz Rockit and Ulysses Siren), drummer Tom Hunting (from Exodus), and guitarist Doug Piercy (Heathen, Anvil Chorus). This configuration managed to book several performances across the US, but Heybourne's immigration complications culminated in his arrest just one day prior to their debut show, which ultimately led to the group's disbandment.

Lineup changes in the 2000s and 2010s

After releasing the Resurrection compilation in 2000, internal disagreements motivated Heybourne to establish a refreshed lineup. This ensemble took the stage at London's Orange Goblin Christmas event on 20 December 2008. The following year, their track "Angel Witch" was included on the soundtrack for the video game Brütal Legend.

In 2011, Angel Witch recorded their fourth full-length album, As Above, So Below, featuring Heybourne on guitar and vocals, Will Palmer handling bass duties, Bill Steer on guitar, and Andrew Prestidge behind the drums. They recommenced live appearances, notably headlining Bloodstock Open Air that same year.

Former bassist Jon Torres passed away on 3 September 2013 due to reported heart failure at age 51.

The band continued touring and performing at festivals during 2015 and 2018.

On 30 August 2019, they released the single "Don't Turn Your Back," which entered the Kerrang! Rock Chart at number 17 and climbed to number 14 in its second week.

Original keyboardist and bassist Kevin Riddles died from cancer on 4 July 2025 at age 68.

Legacy

Mark Deming from AllMusic highlighted Angel Witch's influence within heavy metal: "In 1979, Angel Witch stood out as one of the most promising acts in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, boasting a loyal fanbase and a moderately successful single. Unfortunately, a combination of misfortune, ineffective management, and misunderstandings with their record label resulted in their premature withdrawal."

Angel Witch left a significant mark on many leading metal bands such as Metallica, Venom, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Celtic Frost, Death, Candlemass, and Megadeth. Notably, Megadeth’s frontman Dave Mustaine appeared on the cover of Decibel in February 2010 wearing an Angel Witch T-shirt. Numerous 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—a side project of Italian power metal band Labyrinth.

In 2007, Unbroken Records from Germany issued a Tribute to Angel Witch album featuring fifteen underground metal groups performing covers from the band’s early singles and first three albums.

Members

Current lineup

  • Kevin Heybourne – lead guitar and lead vocals (1976–1981, 1982–1983, 1984–1990, 1997–1998, 2000–2001, 2002–2003, 2008–present)
  • Will Palmer – bass guitar (2008–present)
  • Jimmy Martin – rhythm guitar and backing vocals (2015–present)
  • Fredrik Jansson – drums (2016–present)

Studio albums

  • Angel Witch (1980)
  • Screamin' 'n' Bleedin' (1985)
  • Frontal Assault (1986)
  • As Above, So Below (2012)
  • Angel of Light (2019)

Live albums

  • Angel Witch Live (1990)
  • 2000: Live at the LA2 (2000)
  • Angel of Death: Live at East Anglia Rock Festival (2006)
  • Burn the White Witch - Live in London (2009)

Compilation albums

  • Metal for Muthas (1980)
  • Doctor Phibes (1986)
  • Screamin' Assault (1988)
  • Resurrection (1998)
  • Sinister History (1999)

EPs and singles

  • "Sweet Danger" (single) (1980)
  • Sweet Danger (EP) (1980)
  • "Angel Witch" (single) (1980)
  • "Loser" (single) (1981)
  • "Goodbye" (single) (1985)
  • They Wouldn't Dare (EP) (2004)
  • "Don't Turn Your Back" (single) (2019)

See also

External links

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