The 1980 Listening Post - Angel Witch - Angel Witch

Angel Witch - Angel Witch

#100

March 12 1980

Angel Witch

Angel Witch

Genre: Glam Thrash

4 out of 5

Highlights:

Angel Witch

White Witch

Sorcerers 

There’s a long running joke in The Listening Post that there are dozens of “Witch” and “Witch” bands and they are never seen in the same room because they are all the same damned band. 

Here’s the first one of the decade and, you know what? They haven’t fully traded in the Rock for Satan yet and so, while they thrash like mad (First Thrash record of the decade!) they are also having a blast with a wink and a nod. 

The production is terrible. It’s tinny and weak. But, that just makes it more charming to me. This is the band that inspired Lars Ulrich. I hear all of it in there, despite the shitty recording. I kind of wish Metallica had tried their hand at this Queen-esque multi layered vocals, too, cuz I love ‘em.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/angel-witch-30th-anniversary-edition/1193818182

The 1986 Listening Post - Angel Witch - Frontal Assault

Angel Witch - Frontal Assault

#147/1312

April 9 1986

Angel Witch

Frontal Assault

Genre: 80’s metal

2 out of 5

Imma go on record here and say: Angel Witch do not know how to write good songs. And, while the story is that they inspired Lars Ulrich to start Metallica, that don’t mean they’re any good. 

This is their third pass at the wheel and I’m so so so glad I don’t have to listen to them anymore…until 2012, that is. 

If you are hankering for soaring vocals and nearly incongruous lead guitar + chukka Chukka rhythm, this is for you. But there’s literally dozens of other bands of the era for that. 

(Kind of liked “Waltz the Night”, however)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLQxnpNa7fc

The 1985 Listening Post - Angel Witch - Screamin' 'n' Bleedin'

Angel Witch - Screamin' 'n' Bleedin'

#354/990

September 25 1985

Angel Witch

Screamin’ ’n’ Bleedin’

Genre: Hair Metal

2.25 out of 5

“There’s boobies on the cover!! ”

I think that’s the response they might’ve been looking for in 1985, a full 5 years after Angel Witch’s debut was released. 

This is the band that inspired Lars Ulrich? 

Ok, hey, who am I to argue with inspiration? 

This is perfect less-than-pedestrian metal for the era. The guys know how to play it but the songs aren’t anything to get excited about. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3hiJ9VOsGk