Angel Whitch
The band was founded under the name Lucifer and initially composed of guitarist Kevin Heybourne, guitarist Bob Downing, bassist Kevin Riddles and drummer Dave Hogg. The name changed to Angel Witch after the departure of guitarist Bob.
They were followers of Black Sabbath’s style, especially in the lyrical part. After signing a contract with Bronze Records, they released their debut album, “Angel Witch”, one of the most notable albums of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
They returned to activity in 1982 when Heybourne and two musicians from the band Deep Machine (which Heybourne had headed) – vocalist Roger Marsden and bassist Ricky Bruce – soon after added bassist Jerry Cunningham to the ensemble. This line-up did not last long with Marsden on vocals as he did not sing in the band’s style. He was “fired” from the band, and Heybourne resumed vocals.
In 1983 the band closed again, and Heybourne moved on to Blind Fury. In 1984, Angel Witch was reborn, with the help of bassist Peter Gordelier, singer Dave Tattum, and Dave Hogg returned to the drums. This line-up records the album Screamin’ N’ Bleedin’. Dave Hogg leaves the band once again and is replaced by Spencer Hollman. With the new drummer, they recorded the album Frontal Assault, which deviates a bit from the previous Angel Witch albums with more melodic songs.
Dave Tattum left the band, and a few years later, Angel Witch was playing again. In 1989, they recorded a new live album, Live.
Heybourne decides it is time for the band to go to the United States, but the other members don’t think it is a good idea because they have a more comfortable life in England. Then, an incarnation of Angel Witch appears in the United States. It consisted of Heybourne, bassist Jon Torres (from Laaz Rockit), drummer Tom Hunting, and guitarist Doug Piercy. This formation achieved a true “chemistry,” soon, the band could book several shows in Yankee lands. However, problems were discovered between immigration and Heybourne, and he was arrested the day after the band’s first show. Without Heybourne, Angel Witch soon disbanded.
In 2000, the former members intended to play together again, but after several internal conflicts, Heybourne formed a new line-up with other musicians. In 2001, the band was still active and playing concerts.
In 2009, Will Palmer (bass) and Andy Prestridge (drums) joined the band, stabilizing the lineup. In 2012, after 26 years, the band recorded a new album, “As Above, So Below”.
They have been on and off since their beginning, but you can read about their activity on Metal Injection with this article.