Today,Hells HeadbangerssetsOctober 14thas the international release datefor the long-awaited comeback album ofHobbs' Angel of Death,Heaven Bled. Helmed by one relentless maniac named Peter Hobbs,Hobbs' Angel of Deathare one of the more unsung cult favorites of '80s metal. Hailing from Australia many years before it was cool to do so, the band released two classic demos in 1987,Angel of Deathand the telltaleVirgin Metal Invasion From Down Under, before time came for the inevitable debut album. That album, 1988'sHobbs' Angel of Death, was released by Steamhammer during the label's glory years, and quickly found a devoted legion of fans enthralled toHobbs' Kreator-meets-Dark Angel style of deathrash. With a unique charisma that was devilishly gleeful in a sense,Hobbs' Angel of Deathsired the band's self-tagged "virgin metal," which worked in both connotations of the word. It would be many years before a follow-up, 1995'sInheritance, and the band broke up not long after.
Come 2002, however,Hobbs' Angel of Deathwould re-form and play a number of European festivals and scattered tour dates over the next decade, but aside from theHobbs' Satan Crusadecompilation of the two demos, no new material had yet arisen. But now, courtesy of longtime fansHells Headbangers, the first all-new recording ofHobbs' Angel of Deathin over two decades has finally come to pass. TitledHeaven Bled, this 12-song firestorm of thrashing death metal ("deathened" thrash?) proves that time has not dulled Peter Hobbs' passion one bit nor do the band once rest on their laurels. Much likeAtomic Aggressor'sSights of Suffering- whichHells Headbangersreleased to widespread acclaim in 2014 -Heaven Bledis undoubtedly infused withHobbs' classic past, but is recast in a powerfully streamlined manner where the songwriting and execution take center stage and rawness and youthful enthusiasm are no longer the guiding principles. There's demonic fury in abundance, but it's tempered with the quiet confidence of age and wisdom, through which HobbsLOUDLY casts his incisive gaze on a whole host of subjects, each one more vitriolic (and catchier) than the next. Altogether,Heaven Bledis a timeless blend of extreme metals throughout the ages, sounding as fresh asHobbs' Angel of Death's explosion onto the international scene in 1987. Hear for yourself with "Son of God," the first track to be revealed fromHeaven Bled, which can be heard atHells Headbangers' BandcampHERE, where the album can also be preordered.
A statement from Peter Hobbs reads: "WithHobbs'new album, I've tried to cater for a wider majority of metal lovers, giving a variety across the board with old-school feel and arrangements, but with a matureHobbs' Angel of Deathoutlook. I'm sure many will find it an enjoyable album to listen to, showing my writing skills on the new album and giving back to the industry some of the great influences that have won me over the past lot of years. I've been fortunate enough to have met some of the greats I have the utmost admiration for, and it's a honor for me to hear it in return. I've met people through my travels, and especially one that I felt so overwhelming to hear that my now-cult album of 28 years ago actually saved someone from committing suicide, and they thanked me for my music, that it pulled him through that rough time! I know that I can't please everyone, but I have given this new album my heart and soul to accomplished another cult album in years to come!" Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
"Heaven Bled" Track Listing:
1. Il Mostro Di Firenze
2. Walk My Path
3. Final Feast
4. Suicide
5. Drawn & Quartered
6. Heaven Bled
7. Sadistic Domination
8. Son Of God
9.Depopulation
10. T.F.M.F
11. Hypocrites
12. Abomination
