Metal isn't a fair musical genre at all (as none is in reality), because fans are guided by the 'power of the mark', just keeping their attentions to greater names (as IRON MAIDEN and METALLICA), and leaving aside acts that can't be as great as them. No one is saying that the greater names haven't value, but to a Metalhead, the right thing should be put them all in the same level, or in other words, love METALLICA's music in the same way you love an underground act (just as examples, SUICIDAL ANGELS or HAVOK). But this lack of justice hits many acts, even when they release true masterpieces, and one of them is the North American quintet FIFTH ANGEL, from Seattle, back for one more round with the precious jewel called "When Angels Kill".

Their name is famous in the underground due the hit "Time Will Tell" (the video for it aired regularly on MTV during the last years of the 80s), but they're far better than it today. Their main musical way, that old and good North American form of blending Heavy/Power Metal with Hard Rock touches, is untouched, but with a modern and aggressive outfit (you must pay attention to the aggressiveness shown on "When Angels Kill" to have the clear idea of what these words mean), bleeding torrents of energy and heavy weight sharpened by charming melodies in a very personal way, using an expressive appeal due the lyrical concept that is dealt in the lyrics. It's not a sin to say that this album is a Heavy/Power Metal Opera, after all, a true expression of musical perfection from the beginning to its end. Once more Ken Mary (the band's drummer) is the producer of a band's album, having Steve Conley with him on the recordings and mixing, and with Lasse Lammert taking care of the mastering. The sonority is modern, heavy and aggressive, but defined in a form that no detail can be lost by the ears. And as guests, here are Jim Dofka on the lead guitars and Marta Gabriel (of CRYSTAL VIPER) on the vocals on "Ashes to Ashes".

Words aren't enough to explain why this album is in the 'must have' kind of release, because the band is truly living a great phase of its career. After the climatic intro "Descent into Darkness" (full of excellent guitars), one of the albums hits is shot into the ears, "When Angels Kill", a massive a modern attack of melodies based on excellent riffs and solos (Ed and Steve are playing in a great way), with a magnificent chorus and excellent vocals and choirs.  And "Resist the Tyrant" shows a mix between hooking melodies inherited of North American Hard Rock of the 70s with massive weight of Heavy Metal, again with sharp guitar riffs and arrangements.

"On Wings of Steel" is another blow of modern weight entangled with sharp and hooking melodies, based on a strong and technical set of rhythms created by bass guitar and drums. The Hard Rock influences again arise on "We Are Immortal", especially on the whole ambience and chorus (lovely vocals and backing vocals, showing that Steven was a true finding for the band). On "Empire of Hate", the band uses an energetic and hooking appeal with some traces of accessibility (what's not a sin at all), where once more the work of John and Ken on the rhythmic session is a true powerhouse; and the same happens again on "Run to the Black" (it's impossible to not sing along).

"Seven Angels" opens with charming guitar duets, but with the blend between energy and a touch of accessibility in great shape, and with excellent double bass parts of the drums. On "Blinded and Bleeding", the apocalyptic approach is surprising, even with slower paced tempos. On "Kill the Pain", the band shows a more introspective side of its music, but always keeping the weight and aggressiveness (especially due the guitar riffs), contrasting with the harsh clutch imposed by the aggressive melodies of "Five Days to Madness" (again a song to sing along, especially due the strategic backing vocals).

"Ashes to Ashes" opens with a deeper and darker ambience, but soon contrasts with energetic and heavier parts, but's a kind of Heavy Metal ballad full of excellent hooking melodies that carries the same DNA of North American Hard Rock written many times above on this review (and what great guitar solos). To create the right contrast, "The End of Everything" is bombastic and heavy, tempered with dry and catchy precious melodies, and again, an amazing singing can be heard. Finally, "Light the Skies" brings back from the past of the quintet some NWOBHM melodic elements to shape the energy flow of it. And the rest is the same experience: to hear the album again, again and again repeatedly times.

Yes, FIFTH ANGEL can be said as one of the finest Metal acts in activity in the late years, so have your own experiences with "When Angels Kill", and enjoy one of the finest albums of this year.