Even after many years, people still think that, in the first half of the 80's, Metal was boiling only on the axis of the EUA-Germany-England connection. It's a gross mistake to think in such way, because many other countries had their own scenes. Belgium, Holland, Italy, Spain are fine examples, but things were really insane in Denmark. From there, many names arose, and the most notorious of all was MERCYFUL FATE (due the commercial praise given to "Melissa" and "Don't Break the Oath"). But WITCH CROSS was a strong name on those days due their demo tapes and the album "Fit for Fight" (1984). But it's good to see them in action today, and releasing a good album as "Angel of Death".

Their musical work is that old and good form of playing traditional Heavy Metal with hooking melodies (due the influences from 70's Hard Rock), the 'sabbathic' weighty instrumental parts, good vocals and backing vocals, and that harsh and charming energy from the 80's. That's their main idea: they're not creating anything that wasn't done before, but to keep doing what they're used to since 1982 (maybe in a mature and more melodic way), and it's still so good to hear today. The band brought Mike Koch (producer, and the one who did the recording), Mike Exeter (mixing) and Jacob Hansen (mastering) to create the right sonority for "Angel of Death", and their work resulted on a strong, heavy and modern sound, but defined and with very good instrumental tunes. Yes, they really reached a fine result.

All the songs are very good, but "Angel of Death" (charming northern melodies and that personal weighty touch on the guitar riffs and solos), "Marauders" (a climatic and slower and climatic song, with strong rhythmic work from bass guitar and drums, along with charming backing vocals), "Evil Eye" (a frantic Hard 'n' Heavy song with the trademark melodies from Danish bands), "Phoenix Fire" (charming vocals, but that could be better worked in the future in the tunes), and "Last Rites" (a climatic and frantic energy comes from the non-fast tempos of it) are the best ones for a first ride on the album.

Enjoy it, but keep in mind: this old witch still has secrets to show to the Heavy Metal fans.