Angel Witch - As Above, So Below

Angel Witch

As Above, So Below

by Rebecca Miller at 29 March 2012, 11:44 AM

ANGEL WITCH were one of the products of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (or NWOBHM, if you prefer) back in the Seventies. And ever since then, they’ve been plugging away, producing quality albums and building up quite the fan base. But whilst “As Above, So Below” isn’t necessarily their best release to date, it’s one the devotees are going to lap up.

The album is a mixture of new tracks, and previously unreleased songs, so it’s going to appeal to young and old fans alike. The band stays very true to the NWOBHM sound, with galloping guitars, and chugging riffs. The production does sound quite raw at times, but maybe that’s just them paying homage to that classic NWOBHM sound. Heybourne’s vocals are top notch here, really bringing the listener back to the vibes of their earliest albums. His and Steer’s guitar work is probably the driving force of “As Above, So Below”, with Prestidge’s drums providing a very worthy backing rhythm for each of the songs. The album is essentially a revival for the band, with their last studio album before this being (the perhaps appropriately titled) “Resurrection”.

My favorite track is probably the penultimate one, “Guillotine”, one from the pre-debut ANGEL WITCH years. It’s got easily the most awesome riff on the album, and is incredibly catchy. It definitely deserved a place on their debut album, so I’m left wondering why it was left out at that time – but at least we’ve had the chance to listen to it now. The last track, “Brainwashed” is pretty cool too, and quite IRON MAIDEN-esque. Or maybe that’s just what they want you to think. Aha… Anyway, it’s a worthy finisher for the album.

Overall, I don’t think it’s going to change anyone’s opinions on the band, if you don’t already like them, “As Above, So Below” isn’t going to make you see ANGEL WITCH in a different light. But the fans that have been there since the beginning, even newer fans that might have just picked up the last couple of albums, they are going to love this. And I can’t help but think that’s what ANGEL WITCH intended.