Angel Dust

"Of Human Bondage"
(Century Media) 

Angel Dust are a German heavy metal band who originally formed in the 1980's, releasing a couple of albums, then breaking up, and eventually reuniting over a decade later, in the late 90's. They have actually been making quite an impact on the metal scene over the past few years, and they now have this new album out. Their music is heavy, fast, and aggressive, very influenced by classic, 80's style heavy metal, but also sophisticated and technically proficient, the band using keyboards (played by Steven Banks, who plays them very well) to keep things on the melodic side. They could be described as "progressive thrash metal", if there is such a thing. On "...Bondage", there are, of course, heavy, jackhammering tunes, like the first three songs, "The Human Bondage", "Inhuman", and "Unreal Soul", as well as a couple of ballads, like "Disbeliever" and "The Cultman", the latter which trades off between acoustic, folksy guitars and heavier power chords. Another song, "Forever", sounds like a combo of Pantera, Black Sabbath, and Dream Theatre. Quite a mix, huh? It makes for a very cool tune, though! The remaining songs are all hard rocking 'bangers; "Unite", "Got This Evil", "Freedom Awaits", and a cover of Seal's "Killer". A rather odd choice for a cover as Seal is about as far away from heavy metal as one can get, but they do a great job with it, turning it into a straight-up, hard rocking metal tune, like a heavier Scorpions. Angel Dust are an excellent band! They play some tight, kick ass music, and they are all very talented musicians! Singer Dirk Thurisch has a strong and powerful voice, and new guitarist Ritchie Wilkison cranks out some crushing riffs! There are many power metal bands coming out of Germany and all of Europe these days (which is by no means a bad thing!), but Angel Dust stands alone! They have a style of their own that is a cut above the rest, and are terrific players! This album should be a treat to the ears of all power metal maniacs! Hopefully it will give them the breakthrough they deserve!

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