Employing a dazzling mix of glam rock, hard rock, and progressive rock, Angel's outrageous, white-satin-heavy image and equally over-the-top stage shows, making them one of the more colorful arena rock bands of the mid-'70s and early '80s. Discovered by KISS bass player, Gene Simmons, the group issued their eponymous debut album in 1975, which hewed closer to prog rock than the glam pop that would inform future endeavors like On Earth as It Is in Heaven (1977) and Sinful (1979). The group released a total of 5 studio albums and 1 live album before going their separate ways in 1981. Formed in Washington, D.C., the group's self-titled 1975 debut was recorded for the flamboyant Casablanca Records label -- home to KISS -- with a line-up comprising Frank DiMino (vocals), Punky Meadows (guitar), Gregg Giuffria (keyboards), Mickie Jones (bass), and Barry Brandt (drums). A heavy slab of heavy pomp rock with lengthy songs swathed in Giuffria's atmospheric keyboards and featured the longtime stage favourite "Tower". Helluva Band is their second album and now to celebrate the 50th Anniversary this classic has been remastered and is being released in a 6-panel CD digipak with liner notes by Rock Candy journalist Dave Reynolds. A must have for any Angel fan with classics like “The Fortune” and “Feelin’ Right”.
