14. Fifth Angel Fifth Angel 1986 (Shrapnel)
Power Metal
In battle daybreak the field is often grey and bare.
The Lowdown
After reviewing what has been quite a few thrash albums on this year’s list, it was something of a breath of fresh air to review this cult classic from Fifth Angel. Fifth Angel hailed from Bellvue, Washington State and their debut album the eponymous
Fifth Angel had certainly been fuelled by the style of neighbours Queensryche (minus the proggy parts) The band can also lay claim to being part of that ‘Seattle power metal scene’ from this period, which for any US power metal fan such as me is all vital listening. As power metal is probably my favourite brand of metal band for band, I always take a big interest in anything power metal related and indeed Fifth Angel have only been a recent addition for me in terms of knowing their discography. This though is hardly a surprise as they only managed to put out two albums, meaning that it was pretty easy to overlook them. Band components leaned heavily on guitarist James Byrd who was a big fan of bands like UFO and MSG, and being a guitarist there was a sure link to Michael Schenker who of course had been in both of these bands. Vocalist Ted Pilot had the power to go high-pitched often a vital attribute for most power metal singers, but at the same time his vocals were pretty beefy just check out “The Night” and “Only the Strong Survive” and it was also clear that the band were also influenced by the NWOBHM in their general rock orientation. Opening cut “In the Fallout” is a pretty damn heavy intro to the album, both fast and epic and it carries the energy of a faster paced Queensryche effort. The song is punctuated with an impressive guitar solo from James Byrd about halfway through, clearly inspired from that classic 1970s guitar solo mentality that he had. “Shout it Out” takes a step back with the speed and infuses a stomping metal beat and its chorus is certainly typical of a ‘shouted hair metal band’ style. Third track “Call Out the Warning” despite picking up the speed, actually sounds more like a European power metal track before then moving onto the moody title track “Fifth Angel” which again had me drawing comparisons with Queensryche. The album’s showpiece track might well be its power ballad “Wings of Destiny” which sounds like Iron Maiden meets Queensryche with a Scorpions song name. But like most of these tracks Fifth Angel again prove that they are very much their own band, as constant listens to this album reveal that the band had their own sound, rather than just sounding like a band that had been influenced by others. The album finishes with strong brace of songs "Cry Out the Fools" and "Fade to Flames" the former strong and melodic and the latter faster and touching onto that almost Europe power metal sound. Overall this is a pretty vital addition to any fan of power metal from this period and in many ways it has more in common with a European power metal release than a fellow American one. Largely because the Fifth Angel sound is pretty much devoid of thrash influences, that were often heard on albums by bands like Metal Church from this period. Saying that though the Queensryche comparisons do keep the album on the American side of the power metal scene, making the album an inviting listen due to its American/European elements. The vocals of Ted Pilot are resonant and melodic throughout, and some of the best of the year imo. The guitar sound of James Byrd is constantly fresh and inviting throughout the album, making this a great example of ‘ a feel good metal album’ in a year that was dominated by the harsher realities of thrash metal.
Ted Pilot- Vocals
James Byrd- Guitar
Ed Arhcer- Guitar
Kenny Kay- Bass
Ken Mary- Drums
Production- N/A