ANGELIC FORCES – Arise +3 (2022)

Dutch rockers ANGELIC FORCES were formed back in 2014 when bassist Wilco van der Meij left the band Methusalem and felt drawn to start another band, this time with former band mate guitarist Harold de Vries and drummer Rudie Kingma. Along the way, the group added Maurice Gijsman (ex-L.S.D.) as a second guitarist and the lineup was set. In June of 2016 they recorded their first single and has been playing shows and recording off and on since then.
Now it’s time for their full album debut “Arise“, a collection of old-school classic melodic metal that has all the elements from the ’80s-era we all enjoy. ANGELIC FORCES has American influences from the likes of Riot, some Stryper but also the European style of early 220 Volt, Tokyo Blade, UFO, and all the NWoBHM movement.
And they are darn good at it.

ANGELIC FORCES managed the create a steady fan base and played with well-known metal acts like Picture, Tygers of Pan Tang and Witchcross, also on European festivals.
“Arise” is trad ’80s metal with an updated feel including the guitar riffs & solos one would expect from the genre with strong harmonies all the way. At places Harold de Vries vocals remind me a lot of Phil Mogg’s on “Lights Out” by UFO except Harold occasionally hits a really high register, always in tune and English-perfect.

The performances are excellent, tight, oiled, and production/mixing pristine, powerful. Great riffs abound with a clean sound – something always welcomed as helps to appreciate all instruments – but still with a bit a grit and edge to the overall sound.
‘Armageddon’, ‘Through The Fire’, ‘Mission To Hell’, ‘Religion Is A Lie’ are killer tunes, and we have as extra as well the early songs / EP ANGELIC FORCES has recorded previously, all good tracks too, rawer yet equally strong.
Highly Recommended

01 – Rapture
02 – Armageddon
03 – Through The Fire
04 – Against
05 – Arise
06 – Mission To Hell
07 – Repent Or Die
08 – Religion Is A Lie
09 – Fear No Evil
10 – Thunder and Lightning (2018 EP)
11 – Never Fade (2018 EP)
12 – Angelic Forces (2018 EP)

Harold de Vries – Lead Vocals/Guitar
Maurice Gijsman – Guitar/Vocals
Wilco van der Meij – Bass/Vocals
Rudie Kingma – Drums

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www.animatedinsanityrecords.com/product-page/angelic-forces-arise-cd-2022-no-dust-records