Album Review: Desolation Angels - While The Flame Still Burns
Reviewed by Jon Wigg
When a NWOBHM stalwart from the early 80’s finally officially releases their second album almost 30 years after it was recorded, that’s got to be worth a listen – right?
London’s Desolation Angels first, self-titled album from 1984 is a good example of the genre with lots of chugging riffs and some definite menace included. This was a stone cold NWOBHM classic which sounds like it was from the time and benefits from it. Formed by guitarists (and only remaining original members) Robin Brancher and Keith Sharp, the band moved to Los Angeles in 1987 and 'While The Flame Still Burns' reflects this upheaval.
The vocalist from the first album, Dave Wall, was replaced by Lee Addison and this album was recorded in Burbank, California. Completing the line up were Dave Scutt on bass and Adam Palfrey on drums.
First up is the sound and feel. The first album, and also 2018’s album ‘King’, both have a proper NWOBHM feel. 'While The Flame Still Burns' drips in the sleaze and atmosphere of late ‘80s Sunset Strip where Mötley Crüe ruled the streets.
While Dave Wall sounded like the bands East End roots, Addison’s vocals fitted well into the glam metal of Los Angeles. While glam isn’t to my taste, there are still elements of Diamond Head, 80’s Judas Priest and UFO poking through. I dare say that if this had been released in 1987 and branded as what it is, it would have been very successful Stateside. Unfortunately, this is from 1991 and grunge was on its way to sweep away the high living of Sunset Strip.
There is a lot to like on this album with strong performances throughout. Excellent guitar work by Brancher and Sharp are complemented by Scutt and Palfrey in the rhythm section. There is some NWOBHM here especially on the last 2 tracks, the standout ‘Killer’ and ‘Feels Like Thunder’ and the rest of the album is decent glam rock/metal.
I give this album a solid 6/10 and if you need a NWOBHM fix, check out their first self-titled album and recent ‘King’ slab which are both excellent.
Desolation Angels release 'While The Flam Still Burns' on March 20th via Dissonance Productions.
