Desolation Angels is one of those NWOBHM bands that never got anywhere in the 80s and has since reunited with only a couple of members from the original lineup. We need to delve into a bit of history here first, because Desolation Angels started in 1981 – when NWOBHM was at its peak and most significant point. The band managed to release a demo in 1981 and another in 1982, as well as a single in 1984. By the time their self-titled debut album came out in 1986, the NWOBHM era was already over. After three more demos and one album and EP in 1990, Desolation Angels were also over. Guitarists Robin Brancher and Keith Sharp revived the band in 2012 and released an EP in 2014 and an album in 2017. Now, the band is releasing “Burning Black,” and the story continues. However, the problem with the album is that it’s not particularly good – it sounds weak, and the good songs are lacking. So, it’s one of those bands from the 80s that probably should have stayed in the grave. However, I do think the song “Mother Earth” has something going for it. It’s a decent ballad with a good melody. It’s actually on the ballads that the band excels. The rock songs come off as toothless.
Released August 26th, 2022 on Skol Records.
Hell on Earth Metal Zine 