ANGEL – Angel [50th Anniversary reissue] (2025) HQ *Exclusive*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2

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 be on future endeavors.
“Angel” is a Pomp Rock classic with the unique voice of Frank Dimino, Punky Meadows’ sizzling gutar work, and Greg Giuffria’s awesome organ, piano, clavinet, harpsichord, mellotron, and synthesizer magic.
Now to celebrate the 50th Anniversary this classic has been remastered and released by Deko on digipak CD and vinyl. “Angel [50th Anniversary reissue]” remastering / sound quality is excellent.
ANGEL was formed in 1975 by Frank DiMino and Gregg Giuffria with the ambition to create the perfect rock band. Angel’s manifest destiny revolved around two key components: that’s killer hooks and killer looks. Seasoned players all, their arrival on the Los Angeles rock scene certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons in a world crying out for something fresh, original and very different.

Based in Los Angeles and signed by Casablanca label (KISS’ home), Angel’s debut received instant approval from anyone hip to the trip. Musically the focus was firmly on a sort of pioneering seventies mash-up of progressive and melodic hard rock, spearheaded by the extraordinary operatic vocals of Frank DiMino and the wildly dexterous keyboard virtuosity of Gregg Giuffria.

“Angel” is one of the fundamental albums of Pomp Rock.
Few bands in the genre have matched the brilliance of “Tower”, “Long Time” or “Mariner”, the three songs that make up the legend of this album. “Tower” is one of the most epic songs written in the ’70s, “Long Time” takes lyricism into a whole new level and along with the ballad “Mariner” they display the vocal talents of Frank Dimino. There’s pure magic in the musicianship these guys reach.
Produced by Englishmen Derek Lawrence (Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash) and session guitarist extraordinaire Big Jim Sullivan, the album is treasure trove of surprises and includes several songs that have since gone on to become standard bearers in the star spangled world of Melodic Rock mayhem.

As said, ANGEL first, self-titled album is an essential album. There’s an excellent Rock Candy Records remaster already but the CD isn’t easy to find – this “Angel [50th Anniversary reissue]” is equally good and at a fine price.
Pomp Rules

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01 – Tower
02 – Long Time
03 – Rock & Rollers
04 – Broken Dreams
05 – Mariner
06 – Sunday Morning
07 – On & On
08 – Angel (Theme)

Vocals – Frank Dimino
Guitar – Punky Meadows
Drums, Percussion – Barry Brandt
Bass – Mickey Jones
Organ, Piano, Clavinet, Harpsichord, Mellotron, Synths – Greg Giuffria

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dekoentertainment.com/product-page/angel-angel-cd-lp-50th-anniversary
www.amazon.com/Angel/dp/B0DXW3LW8C