Who Are Angel Witch? London's NWOBHM Pioneers
Angel Witch are a heavy metal band from London, and one of the first names of the new wave of British heavy metal. If you have heard the title track of their debut album, you know the sound: dark, melodic and heavy, with lyrics full of occult themes. Here is the short version of their story.
How did Angel Witch start?
Guitarist and singer Kevin Heybourne started the band in London in 1976, under the name Lucifer. After several line-up changes it became Angel Witch in 1978, and Heybourne has been its driving force ever since.
What came out first?
- Sweet Danger (1980): a single on EMI, released in May 1980.
- Metal for Muthas (1980): a compilation that carried the band's song Baphomet.
- Angel Witch (1980): the debut album, released in December on Bronze Records. Heybourne wrote every song, with Kevin Riddles on bass and Dave Hogg on drums.
- Loser (1981): an EP on Bronze Records.
How many albums have Angel Witch made?
Five studio albums: Angel Witch (1980), Screamin' 'n' Bleedin' (1985), Frontal Assault (1986), As Above, So Below (2012) and Angel of Light (2019), the last on Metal Blade Records. There are live albums too, among them Burn the White Witch: Live in London (2009).
Who is in Angel Witch today?
- Kevin Heybourne: lead guitar and vocals
- Jimmy Martin: rhythm guitar and backing vocals
- Will Palmer: bass
- Fredrik Jansson: drums
Why the merch?
Angel Witch's world is made for print: a fiery painting on the debut cover, songs like Angel of Death, and plenty of witches, sigils and old magic. Our designs bring that onto tees, hoodies and sweatshirts, printed to order for every fan.
Find your piece in the Angel Witch Merch shop.