Iron Angel was a speed metal band from Hamburg, Germany that was active during the mid-1980s and the early 2000s. They started out in 1980 as a school band called "Metal Gods" (a song by Judas Priest) being renamed into "Iron Angel" few years later inspired by a novel about a spirit hunter. During the 1980's they have released two official full-length recordings: "Hellish Crossfire" in 1985 and "Winds of War" in 1986.
Iron Angel is a legendary German metal band that has made a significant impact on the heavy metal genre. Their aggressive sound, intense live performances, and influential debut album "Hellish Crossfire" have cemented their place in metal history. With four albums spanning four decades, Iron Angel has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with and continue to inspire new generations of metalheads.
Iron Angel is a German heavy metal band that formed in 1980. The band is known for their aggressive sound and intense live performances. Over the years, Iron Angel has gone through several line-up changes but has continued to release music and tour.
History
Iron Angel was formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1980 by Dirk Schröder (vocals), Peter Wittke (guitar), Sven Strüven (drums), and Volker Rummel (bass). The band quickly gained attention in the local metal scene and released their debut album "Hellish Crossfire" in 1985 on Steamhammer Records. The album received critical acclaim and helped establish Iron Angel as one of the prominent German metal bands of the 80s.
In 1986, Iron Angel released their second album "Winds of War" which showcased the band's musical progression and maturity. The album also featured a new line-up with Dirk Schröder being replaced by new vocalist Dirk Schumacher. However, despite the success of "Winds of War," the band dissolved in 1987 due to internal tensions.
In 2004, Iron Angel was resurrected with a new line-up and released their third album "The Revenant" in 2014. The band has continued to tour and release music, including their latest album "Emerald Eyes," which was released in 2020.
Discography
Iron Angel's discography spans four albums over four decades. Their debut album "Hellish Crossfire" is considered a classic of the speed metal genre and is a favorite among metalheads. "Winds of War" is another essential album in the band's discography and showcases their growth as musicians. "The Revenant" is a solid comeback album that re-established Iron Angel's place in the metal scene. "Emerald Eyes" is the band's latest offering and shows that they still have plenty of fire left in them.
Impact
Iron Angel's impact on the heavy metal genre can't be understated. Their debut album "Hellish Crossfire" was a game-changer for the speed metal genre and inspired countless bands to follow in their footsteps. Iron Angel's aggressive sound and intense live performances also helped to define the German metal scene of the 80s. The band's influence can be heard in many of the prominent metal bands that emerged in the years following their formation.
SteamHammer SH 0032 , 1985 , Germany
Iron Angel's "Hellish Crossfire" German release 12" vinyl LP album is a thrash metal masterpiece. Produced by Horst "Hoddle" Muller and recorded at Caet Studio Berlin in May 1985, it delivers relentless aggression and blistering guitar work. With album photography by Joachim-Peters-Schnee and cover design by Edda & Uwe Karczewski and Peter Wittke, the visual presentation matches the intensity of the music. Featuring the talented lineup of Dirk Schroeder, Sven Struven, Mike Mattes, and Thorsten Lohmann.
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Hammerheart Records HHR2014-05 , 2014 , Netherlands
"Hellish Crossfire" is the first official full-length album by the German Thrash Metal band: "IRON ANGEL". This album was produced by Horst "Hoddle" Muller (who has also produced albums for bands like:Destruction, Running Wild, Warrant, Celtic Frost). "Hellish Crossfire" was recorded at the Caet Studio Berlin, the album was originally released in 1985 and re-issued in 2014.
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SteamHammer SH 0047 , 1988 , Germany
"Winds of War was recorded in April 1986 at Karo Music Studio, Munster, Germany. It was produced by Kalle Trap (Kalle Trap being producer for many of the leading German Thrash Metal bands during he 1980s) and engineered by Uwe Ziegler. Artwork was done by Edda & Uwe Karczewski , best known for the album covers of "Helloween".
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