Electrifying! That was my first thought right after “Doomsday” kicked in. Don’t know how to describe it, but it felt like looking back to the 80s through a modern HD TV. Everything on this album sound so warm and cozy, like the way records used to sound back in the day, but at the same time there’s also this refreshing “edgy” sound of this era. Combine this with some killer songs and boom, there you have it!
And yes, as you’ve probably guessed from the title, DESOLATION ANGELS are back. They’re back with their third full-length album, the first one in almost thirty years, and from what I’m listening on the record it seems these guys have found their lost youth (haha, just kidding)! Everyone knows that DESOLATION ANGELS fall under the NWHOBHM tag, so things are pretty straightforward when it comes to setting your expectations straight.
The album “revolves” around the guitar works of mr. KEITH SHARP and mr. ROBIN BRANCHER, the only founding members still left in the band. Solid riffs, melodic guitar duets and smooth guitar solos, are elements that will definitely stand out during the first listening of the album. Something else you might be able to spot during that first listening, is the quite familiar voice of mr PAUL TAYLOR of legendary ELIXIR (currently split-up), who seems to have found a new home under DA’s rejuvenated machine. It’s really awesome to see legendary members of the NWHOBHM scene working together on new material after all these years. Really wish we get to see a follow up release with this lineup.
My top picks from “King” would definitely be the opening track, “Doomsday”, as it gave me a vibe similar to what BLACK SABBATH’s “Trashed” gave me many years ago, which is a lifetime favourite. “Devil Sent” is definitely another one due to the ambience that gets built around the beautiful guitar work and silky vocals of mr TAYLOR. Finally, and probably my favorite, the closing track “My Demon Inside” adds a dramatic touch to the album, marking its finale in a bittersweet way. The album is full of more beautiful moments, so it’s a matter of personal taste for everyone to discover theirs.
Something else you might want to know about this one, is that we’re probably talking about one of the last projects that CHRIS TSANGARIDES got to work on. Sadly, he passed away in January, 2018. You’ll be able to hear that distinctive production values he was able to craft in many iconic heavy metal albums throughout his career. May he rest in peace.
