Hobbs' Angel of Death

Hobbs' Angel of Death

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1987
Founder	Peter Hobbs
Defunct	2019
Headquarters	Melbourne , Australia
Products	Studio albums, EPs, compilation albums

Hobbs' Angel of Death was a thrash metal band originating from Melbourne, Australia, established in 1987. They were among the earliest Australian groups to embrace this genre. Their discography includes two studio albums: the self-titled Hobbs' Angel of Death (1988) and Inheritance (1995), before their initial breakup in 1996. Upon reuniting in 2002, they released a compilation album titled Hobbs' Satan's Crusade (2003) and later produced a third studio album, Heaven Bled (2016).

History

The band was initiated in January 1987 by Peter Hobbs, formerly guitarist for Tyrus, who initially envisioned it as a solo endeavor. Joining him were former members of Nothing Sacred (band), namely Karl Lean on bass, Sham Littleman on drums, and Mark Woolley on guitar. Together, they recorded two demos that garnered attention from record labels internationally. Hobbs' Angel of Death is credited with introducing European-style thrash metal to the Australian music scene.

While firmly grounded in classic thrash metal traditions, Hobbs characterized their musical style as "virgin metal," emphasizing an unadulterated metal sound.

In early 1988, the group recorded their debut album, Hobbs' Angel of Death, at Musiclab studios located in Berlin. The album was produced by Harris Johns and released through the German label Steamhammer Records, achieving notable sales across Europe. This lineup featured Hobbs, Woolley, Philip Gresik on bass, and Darren McMaster-Smith on drums. By 1989, touring lineups included drummer Bruno Canziani and bassist Dave Frew, both ex-members of Rampage.

Their sophomore release, Inheritance (1995), was distributed exclusively within Australia and did not replicate the success of its predecessor due to limited availability and production challenges. The band dissolved shortly after this release.

After regrouping in 2002, Hobbs' Angel of Death issued a compilation album comprising early demo tracks and embarked on European tours that included performances at Wacken Festival as well as shows alongside German thrash band Destruction and black metal pioneers Mayhem. Keyboardist Talie Helene departed in 2003 to establish Stone Maiden; the core lineup then consisted of Hobbs, Canziani, and Frew.

The band resumed live activities in 2011 by supporting Forbidden (band) in Sydney and continued touring Europe through 2013. Peter Hobbs appeared in the 2014 Australian metal documentary Metal Down Under. That same year, they also conducted a tour across the United States.

Their third studio effort, Heaven Bled (2016), was followed by ongoing tours throughout Europe until health concerns led to show cancellations in 2018. Their final concert took place at Heathen Fest in southern New South Wales during 2019.

Peter Hobbs passed away on 21 October 2019 at the age of 58. A tribute event honoring his contributions was held in Melbourne on 29 November, featuring performances by former members celebrating his impact.

Final lineup

• Peter Hobbs – vocals, rhythm guitar (deceased 2019)
• Simon Wizén – lead guitar
• Alessio "Cane" Medici – bass
• Brandon Gawith – drums

Former members

• Lead guitar – Damiano "Idda" Porciani, Luke Anticevic, Mark Wooley, Nick Maltezos, Jason Saunders, Brian Sinclair, Homa King, James Caldwell
• Drums – Matt "Skitz" Sanders, Sham Littleman, Darren McMaster-Smith, Bruno "Anticros" Canziani, Jarro "Nuclear Exterminator" Raphael, Rob Molica, Jim Sinclair, Elliot Bell, Iago Bruchi
• Bass – Bo Remy, Philip "Bullet Eater" Gresik, Karl Lean, Dave Frew, Jay Sanders

Studio Albums

• Hobbs' Angel of Death (Steamhammer Records SHLP 7006, SPV 85-7525, July 1988)
• Inheritance (Def Records, 1995)
• Heaven Bled (2016)

EPs

• Virgin Metal Invasion from Down Under (February 1987)
• Angel of Death (November 1987)

Compilation Albums

• Demolition – Scream Your Brains Out! (Chain Reaction Records, 1988) – A Metal Forces collection including the tracks "Chainsaw Massacre" and "Satan's Crusade"
• Hobbs' Satan's Crusade (Modern Invasion Music MIM7336-2CD, 2003)