Guitar & Bass Tabs
Angel Witch
About Angel Witch
Angel Witch formed in 1977 in England, led by guitarist Kevin Heybourne, and quickly became a cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Their ferocious, riff-driven approach helped define the era’s sound, with the 1980 self-titled EP introducing a snarling guitar tone and instantly memorable hooks that captured the imagination of metal fans and aspiring players alike. The band’s self-titled track, along with their early releases, cemented their place in rock history as one of the movement’s definitive voices. Over the years, Angel Witch has influenced countless bands with their fast tempos, melodic leads, and fearless attitude, earning a lasting cult status among fans of classic metal.
Their impact extends beyond a single release: Angel Witch’s music propelled the NWOBHM forward, inspiring future generations of guitarists to push tempo and tone while keeping riffs simple, direct, and fiercely musical. The group weathered lineup changes and notable reunions, continuing to perform and release material that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners. Today, they’re celebrated not just for nostalgia, but for their enduring example of how to blend aggression with memorable melodies in rock’s hard edge.
Active from the late 1970s through today, Angel Witch remains a touchstone of classic British metal. This page highlights their enduring legacy and translates their iconic energy into approachable guitar education, including a focused lesson that distills their riff-driven style into playable tabs for modern players seeking authentic NWOBHM flavor.
🎸 Want to know what gear Angel Witch used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Angel Witch
Angel Witch
View Tab →Playing Style
Angel Witch’s playing style is built on raw, punchy riffs and melodic inclusions that sit squarely in the NWOBHM pocket. Expect driving, palm-muted power-chord sections, tight down-picking or alternate-picking for speed, and brisk shifts between tempo sections. The band blends blues-influenced pentatonic ideas with bold, singable lead lines and short, effective guitar solos that emphasize melody as much as aggression. The overall sound is direct and aggressive yet highly memorable, with chunky midrange tones and crisp articulation that translate well to mid-level players looking to capture early metal swagger.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
The era’s iconic tone comes from solid-body guitars with humbuckers paired to high-gain amps, often exemplified by Marshall-style stacks for that tight, roaring midrange punch. Players chasing the Angel Witch vibe should aim for a saturated, mid-forward tone with clear pick attack, using a straightforward pedal setup: a reliable distortion/overdrive, a touch of delay or reverb on solos, and minimal modulation. This approach recreates the bold, no-frills guitar sound that defines the band’s classic recordings while staying accessible for modern practice rigs.
Why Learn Angel Witch Songs?
Learning Angel Witch tunes is a smart move for any guitarist who wants to lock in classic rock and metal foundations. The material emphasizes solid rhythm discipline, clean palm muting, precise alternate picking, and memorable riff construction—skills that translate to countless NWOBHM and hard rock tracks. While the era’s riffs are energetic, they’re approachable for players in the beginner-to-intermediate range, and they provide a clear path to more advanced metal techniques as you grow. And with a single dedicated lesson available on this site, you can jump straight into the essential Angel Witch riffing and structure in a way that builds speed, accuracy, and tone.
Did You Know?
- 1Angel Witch is regarded as one of the early and influential bands of the NWOBHM movement.
- 2Their 1980 self-titled EP is considered a landmark release that helped define the sound of early British metal.
- 3Guitarist Kevin Heybourne has been the driving force behind the band through its many reunions and lineup changes.
- 4The band continues to perform and release material well into the 21st century, maintaining a dedicated cult following.
1 Angel Witch lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
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