Angel Dust (originally Angeldust) is a power metal band originating from Dortmund, Germany that started off as a typical garage band. Taking their name from a song title off the black metal band Venom's debut album 'Welcome To Hell', Angel Dust was founded in 1984. Their style was initially heavily influenced by the NWOBHM metal scene and the Bay Area thrash metal scene. They soon found their niche in the speed and thrash metal styles which were widely popular at the time. The 1980s would see two releases from the band: 1986's 'Into the Dark Past' and 1988's 'To Dust You Will Decay'. They proceeded to disband in 1990 because of internal conflicts.

Although all members had gone their separate ways, founding member Frank Banx had no desire to let the Angel Dust name die. Around 1998 Banx, and original drummer Dirk Assmuth, gathered a completely new lineup (including Frank Banx' younger brother Steven Banx on keyboards) to start from scratch. This reincarnation would handle music very differently, shifting dramatically towards power metal, and would consequently gain a solid reputation in Europe.

After releasing a few successful albums in the late 90s and early 2000s, a series of line-up changes significantly reduced the band's activities. They are however still active, and in March of 2006 they once again entered the studio to record the long awaited successor for 'Of Human Bondage'.

TO DUST YOU WILL DECAY (1988) DISASTER/SAMS

Angel Dust's second album is one of the most sought after gems in the collectors circuits world wide. Finding an original copy of this CD is virtually impossible, and copies sells for hundreds of dollars when they appear on eBay. Needless to say, mine is a bootleg copy, released sometime around 2002/2003. Supposedly a part of something called Speed Attack Metal Series, this "reissue" comes with 2 bonus tracks. The bootleg is very well done, with printed lyrics in a full booklet. And as long as they don't re-release 'To Dust You Will Decay' properly, I will hold on to it.

The music Angel Dust played back in 1988 was a fine mix between NWOBHM inspired power metal, and speed/thrash metal. They have a defined German vibe too, especially noticeable in legendary vocalist S.L. Coes' (Scanner, C.O.E.) performance. The aggressive speed metal riffs creates the frames around these songs, whether it is the melodic "Wings Of An Angel" and "Stranger", or the full on thrash attacks of the title track and "The King". I'm not sure where the 2 bonus tracks came from. But "Flight To Russia" really sticks out like a turd in a punch bowl, and doesn't fit in with the rest of the material. But other than that, this is one killer album.

So it's no wonder why this album is so cherished; it's simply a great underground metal platter! It doesn't matter if you prefer thrash, speed, power or straight heavy metal, you can still find something to like here. Most likely, if you call yourself a metal head, you will love 'To Dust You Will Decay'.

Killer tracks: Wings Of An Angel, Into The Dark Past (chapter II), To Dust You Will Decay, Stranger

BORDER OF REALITY (1998) CENTURY MEDIA

'Border Of Reality' was my first exposure to Angel Dust. I got a cardboard promo of this album in exchange for some video-tapes. I had not even heard about Angel Dust before, but apparently this was a reformed German thrash/speed metal band fro the late '80's. Most of the band members are new, as only the bassist and drummer are left from the last line-up.

I really liked what I heard on the promo CD. But it was pretty apparent that the band had changed styles in time for the reunion.  'Border Of Reality', while sporting some faster elements, can no longer be labeled thrash metal. This is power metal, in the more traditional meaning of the term. So although Angel Dust hail out of Germany, they have more in common with their American metal brethren. They can also easily be compared to fellow German band, Brainstorm. That means a heavy blend of power and melody. The production on the album is not of the sterile, modern variation. This gives the music a rawer expression, that suits the songs well. You can still hear the bands thrash metal roots, as the brother part of the material is very speedy. However, the addition of a keyboard player gives the overall sound a progressive touch. There are also some mid-paced and slower numbers here, helping to create dynamics. One of my favorites from this album is the power ballad, "When I Die". It's such a powerful song, with enough emotions to make it a stand-out track, still with enough power to keep it from getting sappy. The only song I don't feel fit in is "Spotlight Kid", a Deep Purple cover. Other then that, this is a very strong album from a band that quickly became a personal favorite.

Killer tracks: Border Of Reality, Nightmare, When I Die

BLEED (1999) CENTURY MEDIA

A little bit more progressive and darker this time. But just as great as the last disc. This band can now be counted on to release great albums. They sound like nobody else really.

Killer tracks: Black Rain, Follow Me (Part I)

ENLIGHTEN THE DARKNESS (2001) CENTURY MEDIA

Angel Dust's 5th release is a mix between 'Border..' and 'Bleed'. I have not gotten into this as much as the previous 2, but that does not mean that this is a bad record. This is standard Angel Dust-stuff, and that means quality. It's just that the songs sound so much like each other. And I do not like the extensive use of keyboards. Maybe I just didn't notice it much before, but this band have the keyboards way up front in their sound. I suspect that this album is gonna grow on me, so it's not gonna grow dust on this one.

15.03.2002: The album has grown on me, and now I prefer this over 'Bleed'. My only complaint is that many of the songs sounds like their gonna head of into great places, but never really take off. 

Killer tracks: The One You Are, Enjoy!, Fly Away

OF HUMAN BONDAGE (2002) CENTURY MEDIA

Yet another stunning album from these German metalers. And this time they release a platter that is much easier to get into. For some reason it seems I never grow tired of this kind of music. Angel Dust have a rare talent in that they produce very heavy music, but yet manage to maintain incredibly melodic. So while the music can hardly be explained as mainstream, many of the songs get instantly stuck on my mind. Melodic power metal with influences of prog and thrash! \m/ "Killer" is a cover of the English pop artist, Seal. And oddly enough, it works!

Killer tracks: The Human Bondage, Forever, The Cultman, Freedom Awaits

S.L.Coe guest appearances:

Ulan Bator - 'Cut' (as producer)

Related artists:

Running Wild, Scanner, Risk, C.O.E.