After their long-awaited comeback album, “The Third Secret”, in 2018, Fifth Angel returns with a new studio work entitled “When Angels Kill”. The band’s lineup is different this time, with the return of the original guitarist Ed Archer as well as the addition of new vocalist Steven Carlson and guitarist Steve Conley (Flotsam and Jetsam). Ken Mary on drums and John Macko on bass are as steady as ever. The production is heavy and powerful, and the musicianship is really strong. Steven Carlson has a great voice and is the right guy for this kind of music.
This is the band’s first concept album that deals with Phoenix, a young man caught in a (future) world undergoing enormous changes. At this point, Phoenix joins a remnant of people who fight on for a better world… and, although terrible events are occurring around him, Phoenix maintains his will to survive.
Musically, the band has a more European heavy/power sound in general. I can say that they seem to be influenced mostly by Judas Priest, especially the “Painkiller” era. To be honest, I expected more US power metal, but for some reason the Euro elements prevail over the US ones. Of course, current Flotsam and Jetsam influences are there as well, which is normal given that the bands share the same drummer and guitarist.
Even though the album is fine, I believe that 72 minutes for a heavy/power metal release is excessive. In my opinion, the album would have been far better if it featured 10 or 11 tracks. This ain’t a prog rock/metal record, so they should have thought twice about releasing an album with 15 songs that lasts about 72 minutes, if you know what I mean. Then again, “When Angels Kill” has its strong moments, and the fans of the band along with those who fancy heavy/power metal music in general are gonna appreciate this album.
