Angel Dust
Into the Dark Past

"Welcome To Hell", the debut album by Venom, has, among its numerous merits, also that of having provided the name to a band formed in 1984 in Dortmund: "Angel Dust" (the ninth track on the album in question). The first work of the Teutonic group arrives two years later, in 1986: it is "Into The Dark Past".

A single listen is enough to realize how Angel Dust was inspired by Venom not only in name but also in musical style: "Into The Dark Past", in fact, is immersed for almost its entire duration in an ocean of lively and tumultuous speed metal. After reading this sentence, the first track, which gives the album its name, might be a real surprise: in short, over a minute of piano and choir. However, right when the voices are at their peak, the introduction flows into Andreas Lohrum's guitar riff: "I'll Come Back" begins. While in this album it’s often the guitars that manage to amaze, it is Dirk Assmuth's drums that play an essential role, giving the tracks the necessary balance. The entire work is based on the formula "speed and violence", enriched with some well-placed slowed segments, thus creating a harmonious and fluid record, despite several songs exceeding five minutes in length.

There is nothing really transcendental in this album, and surprises (like the unresolved ending of "Gambler") are scarce; however, we have healthy speed metal played as it should be, with influences from Running Wild, Iron Angel, and even the NWOBHM - the influence of the latter is evident in the first ten seconds of "Legions Of Destruction", where Frank Banx's bass takes center stage. Romme Keymer's harsh voice further speeds up the tracks (listen, for example, to "Atomic Roar", the fastest track on the album), occasionally indulging in some falsetto screams. The notable "Victims Of Madness", which stands on the initial three-note riff, and the following "Marching For Revenge" end the work worthily.

If you are lovers of German-styled speed/thrash, this is an album I highly recommend, engaging and able to entertain. Unfortunately, however, the original CD is sold at exorbitant prices; fortunately, a bootleg has also appeared. Otherwise, if your musical tastes deviate even slightly, it might prove (very) unexciting. In any case, it is undoubtedly a commendable debut.