Angel Witch

Angel Witch

Angel Witch are a heavy metal band from London, formed in 1977 and active from 1977 to the present. They begin as Lucifer, a project formed by guitarist and vocalist Kevin Heybourne, and adopt the name Angel Witch in 1978 after several line-up changes. Heybourne remains the central member throughout the band’s history.

Career

The band become one of the pioneering acts of the new wave of British heavy metal, or NWOBHM. Their self-titled debut album, Angel Witch, is released in 1980 on Bronze Records and becomes a key record in the movement. The title track receives airplay on BBC Radio 1’s Friday Rock Show. Despite critical recognition, the group runs into management and record-label problems and initially disbands in 1982. They reform in 1984 and continue with multiple hiatuses and personnel changes, while Heybourne keeps leading the group through later periods of activity.

Style and influence

Angel Witch’s music combines the heavy metal foundations associated with Black Sabbath with the speed and drive of Motörhead. Their sound is described as dark and melodic, with occult-themed lyrics. They are widely regarded as an influence on later thrash, speed, doom and extreme metal acts.

Selected releases

The band’s studio albums include Angel Witch (1980), Screamin' 'n' Bleedin' (1985), Frontal Assault (1986), As Above, So Below (2012) and Angel of Light (2019). Angel of Light is released via Metal Blade Records. The band also perform at festivals such as Bloodstock Open Air in 2009.