The Fortune: On the Rocks with Angel

Angel was a hard rock band in the 1970s, but they changed their style to reach radio and went first-class with the best gear, a killer stage show, and promotion. They had a million dollars of debt by the end of their run, but their story is of a band hailed as rock stars without the record sales to justify the crazy spending. After 1981, they heard virtually nothing from any of them until 2019 when they returned with a new album called Risen.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Wymer Publishing

In the realm of 70s hard rock, Angel stood as a formidable force, envied by countless other earthly rock acts striving to make their mark. With aspirations to attain the same level of success as Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Blue Oyster Cult, Styx, and their label mates, Kiss, Angel embarked on a remarkable journey. However, their story is one of a band that seemed out of sync with its time, oscillating between regal progressive heavy metal and attempts to appeal to radio audiences. Despite their best efforts, Angel struggled to connect with a significant portion of Kiss fans, who were drawn to the dark and rebellious image of Kiss, while Angel portrayed a more wholesome and virtuous image in white. Similarly, their progressive rock fanbase and those who favored bands like Foreigner, Journey, and Cheap Trick were not fully receptive to their musical offerings.

Throughout their journey, Angel experienced the trappings of rock stardom, boasting top-notch equipment, an electrifying stage presence, and extensive promotion by figures such as Neil Bogart and Casablanca. Their success was evident, as they amassed a million dollars in debt by the end of their remarkable run. However, the members of Angel often remained oblivious to the struggles faced by lesser bands, as they reveled in the glory and attention that came with being hailed as rock stars. Unfortunately, their run came to an abrupt end, and they became relatively silent after 1981, save for the occasional solo album from keyboardist Gregg.

But the story took an unexpected turn in 2019 when both Punky Meadows and Frank DiMino, former members of Angel, resurfaced with solo albums. And then, like a bolt from the blue, Angel made a triumphant return, releasing a dazzlingly white and spirited new album titled "Risen." The album marked a remarkable comeback for the band, capturing the essence of their iconic sound while infusing it with a fresh and invigorating energy.

In this essay, we will delve into the band's five studio albums during their original run, examine the crushing concert album "Live Without a Net," and explore the circumstances that led to their downfall. We will also celebrate the inspiring return of Frank and Punky through the spirited hard rocker that is "Risen."

Angel's debut studio album, "Angel," released in 1976, showcased their progressive heavy metal prowess. The album featured intricate guitar work, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics, setting the stage for their future endeavors. However, despite the band's undeniable talent, commercial success eluded them, and "Angel" failed to make a significant impact on the music industry.

Their second album, "No Exit," released in 1977, continued to explore progressive rock territory, incorporating elements of jazz and classical music into their sound. While the album received critical acclaim, it also failed to reach a wider audience, and Angel continued to struggle to gain traction.

"On Earth as It Is in Heaven," their third album, released in 1978, marked a significant shift in their musical direction. The album featured a more commercial sound, with pop-influenced melodies and upbeat rhythms. While this approach garnered some attention, it also alienated many of their progressive rock fans, who were disappointed by the departure from their signature style.

"One Winter Night," their fourth album, released in 1979, continued in the same vein as "On Earth as It Is in Heaven," with a more polished and accessible sound. However, the album failed to capture the same level of success as its predecessor, and Angel's popularity continued to decline.

"Dreams of Fire," their final studio album, released in 1980, marked a return to their progressive heavy metal roots. The album featured powerful guitar riffs, intricate melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics, showcasing the band's artistic growth and maturity. However, it was too late to salvage their declining career, and Angel disbanded shortly after its release.

After the dissolution of Angel, the members pursued various musical projects. Punky Meadows released a solo album titled "Punky Meadows," which showcased his melodic guitar skills and his ability to write catchy pop-rock songs. Frank DiMino also released a solo album titled "Frank DiMino," which featured his powerful vocals and his signature blues-rock style.

However, it was the return of Frank and Punky in 2019 with the release of "Risen" that truly marked the resurgence of Angel. The album featured a blend of classic hard rock and progressive rock, with powerful guitar riffs, intricate melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. The album received widespread critical acclaim, and fans were thrilled to hear the iconic sound of Angel once again.

In conclusion, Angel's journey in the 70s hard rock scene was a tale of ambition, talent, and commercial struggles. Despite their efforts to appeal to a wider audience, they were unable to connect with a significant portion of Kiss fans and progressive rock enthusiasts. However, their return in 2019 with "Risen" has proven that their music continues to resonate with fans, and their legacy as a pioneering force in progressive rock remains intact.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915246059