ANGEL DUST – Of Human Bondage

Exit Bernd Auferman, enter Ritchie Wilkison, and welcome to Angel Dust’s sixth album, Of Human Bondage. Still being one of the premier European melodic heavy metal bands, and a nice alternative to Gamma Ray, Stratovarius and Rhapsody, Angel Dust takes a small step back with their new CD. I said; A small one only! I can’t exactly tell you what to point the finger on, other than the fact that departed Aufermann is one of the best guitarists to come out the last decade, and he sure had impact on both songwriting and instrumental work. I am not harping on the new kid on the black, as he does a respectable job.

The songs are maybe more mainstream in-your-face than before (at least compared to the 90s version of the band), still with atmospheric acoustic parts and as always, great vocals from Dirk Assmuth. This record grew a bit on me, I was actually disappointed at first, but I am glad I gave it a few more spins. Almost all tracks really hold a great standard, a high level of quality they set with the killer Enlighten The Darkness CD. It’s about time these guys get the recognition they deserve, so go and check them out on tour with At Vance and Rhapsody in April throughout Europe.