ANGEL WITCH Vinyl & CDs

Review: One of the key releases of the first wave of the New Wave of British heavy metal, the self-titled Angel Witch debut full-length, has long been heralded, praised, analysed and remembered as a vital contribution to the world of metallic machinations since its initial 1980 release. Inspiring waves of black metal, thrash, death and almost any other form of sonic extremity one can lay their ears upon, the work was misunderstood by many not prepared for the monumental surge in popularity the metal scene would ride over the ensuing decades. That being said, the project had those who would fight its corner, with its credence eventually leading to the same regard as say, Iron Maiden's self-titled affair, yet channelling far darker avenues of influence. Chalk most of the genre's expansion throughout the 80s, and you'll always circle back to this monumental classic.