The band was founded under the name of Lucifer and initially comprised guitarist and vocalist Kevin Heybourne, guitarist Rob Downing, bassist Kevin Riddles and drummer Steve Jones. Lucifer split and Steve Jones joined up with Bruce Dickinson to form Speed. The remnants of Lucifer became Angel Witch in the following year,when Dave Hogg joined on drums. Eventually Rob Downing left the band.
Angel Witch's first song to achieve mainstream popularity was "Baphomet", which was included on a compilation entitled Metal for Muthas. This song drew a fair amount of attention to the band and they eventually signed a recording deal with EMI. However, the deal was soon cancelled, due to the bad performance of their first single released under the EMI label which was entitled Sweet Danger and lasted a single week in the British charts.
In 1980 Bronze Records picked up the band and they soon proceeded to record and release their debut album, self-titled Angel Witch. This album is considered one of the most notable from the NWOBHM, but subsequent to the album's release, the band's structure began to fall apart. Kevin Riddles and Dave Hogg left the band to join Tytan, and despite Heybourne's attempts to continue Angel Witch with other musicians, the end of the band was declared and he joined Deep Machine.
Angel Witch was brought back to activity in 1982, when Heybourne and two musicians from Deep Machine - namely vocalist Roger Marsden and drummer Ricky Bruce - left to assemble a new Angel Witch line-up together with bassist Jerry Cunningham. This line-up lasted a very short time, as Marsden's voice didn't fit the style of the band very well. He was fired from the band and Heybourne assumed the vocals once more.
By 1983 the band had ceased its activity and Heybourne moved to Blind Fury. In 1984 Angel Witch was once more brought to life, this time with the help of bassist Peter Gordelier, singer Dave Tattum and with Dave Hogg returning to the drums. This line-up recorded the album Screamin' N' Bleedin'. Dave Hogg left the band one more time, but not without many snide remarks from the band's fans. He was replaced by Spencer Hollman. With the new drummer they recorded Frontal Assault, which deviated heavily from Angel Witch's previous albums in having many melodic elements.
Dave Tattum left the band in the same year and for a few years Angel Witch played as a trio in sporadic live performances. In 1989, they recorded a new live album, entitled simply Live - not to be mistaken with the band Live.
Heybourne decided that it would be in the band's best interest to move to the USA, but the other members had no way of accomplishing that, having stable lives on their home country. Thus, an American incarnation of Angel Witch was born. It was composed of Heybourne, bassist Jon Torres (from Laaz Rockit), drummer Tom Hunting and guitarist Doug Piercy. This line-up functioned quite well and soon the band had booked a fair amount of shows throughout the USA. However, it was found that Heybourne had some pending issues regarding immigration, and he was arrested one day before the first concert of the band. Without Heybourne, Angel Witch was soon dissolved.
After the release of the Resurrection compilation in 2000 the band intended to play together once more but after a series of internal conflicts Heybourne assembled yet another line-up with new members. As of 2001 the band is still active even though they do not perform concerts frequently.
Discography
* Angel Witch (1980)
* Loser (EP, 1981)
* '82 Revisited (Live, 1982)
* Screamin' and Bleedin' (1985)
* Frontal Assault (1986)
* Live (Live, 1990)
* Resurrection (2000)
* 2000: Live At The LA2 (Live, 2000)
Suffer
Angel Witch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You cannot see the reason for your feeling
We've heard it all before
You have to love to overcome the hurting
Fate will take its course
Suffer what is this game you're playin'
Suffer sure to understand
What do you want to learn those who've hurt you
Can't you see it isn't fair
You know the world everyone's too smoothly
You're just another in despair
Suffer what is this game you're playin'
Suffer sure to understand
Suffer what is it you're sayin'
Suffer you have to make a stand
Suffer what is this game you're playin'
Suffer sure to understand
Suffer what is it you're sayin'
Suffer you have to make a stand
Suffer what is this game you're playin'
Suffer sure to understand
Suffer what is it you're sayin'
Suffer you have to make a stand
The lyrics to Angel Witch's song "Suffer" seem to focus on the pain and struggles of life. The repetition of the word "suffer" emphasizes the intense and prolonged nature of these struggles. The first verse talks about feeling hurt and trying to overcome it through love, but ultimately acknowledging that fate will take its course. It's almost a resigned acceptance of the fact that suffering is inevitable in life. The second verse questions why those who hurt us exist and questions the fairness of the world. The last few lines of the song urge the listener to take a stand and make sense of their suffering. It's a call to action, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, one has the power to make a change and find meaning in their pain.
Overall, the song seems to be about the human experience of pain and suffering, and the importance of rising above it and finding meaning in it. The repetition of the word "suffer" carries a sense of urgency and importance, urging the listener to not simply accept their pain but to actively fight against it and grow from it.
Line by Line Meaning
Suffer suffer suffer suffer
Endless, unending pain and agony.
You cannot see the reason for your feeling
You don't understand why you're feeling so much pain.
We've heard it all before
People have gone through the same thing countless times before.
You have to love to overcome the hurting
Love is the key to overcoming the pain and suffering.
Fate will take its course
Whatever happens is beyond your control.
Suffer what is this game you're playin'
Why do you continue to endure this suffering?
Suffer sure to understand
You must understand the depth of the suffering you're experiencing.
Suffer what is it you're sayin' suffer
Why are you still saying you're suffering?
What do you want to learn those who've hurt you
What do you hope to gain from those who have caused you pain?
Can't you see it isn't fair
The situation you're in is unjust.
You know the world everyone's too smoothly
Everyone else seems to be living life without any problems.
You're just another in despair
You feel like you're just another person going through the same despair.
Suffer you have to make a stand
You need to take action to overcome the suffering.
Suffer what is this game you're playin'
Why do you continue to endure this suffering?
Suffer sure to understand
You must understand the depth of the suffering you're experiencing.
Suffer what is it you're sayin'
Why are you still saying you're suffering?
Suffer you have to make a stand
You need to take action to overcome the suffering.
Suffer what is this game you're playin'
Why do you continue to endure this suffering?
Suffer sure to understand
You must understand the depth of the suffering you're experiencing.
Suffer what is it you're sayin'
Why are you still saying you're suffering?
Suffer you have to make a stand
You need to take action to overcome the suffering.
Contributed by Julian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jamiewarriorwarlordmccallu5712
killer bad ass track from angel witch we all suffer too much in this world. #nwobhmforever
@richalderDVL
Nice track! The riff sounds a bit to Sweet's glam rock era.
@batcaveloner1383
I think their influences included Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep, Rush, amongst other similar bands.
@alexandreteixeirabenjamin6539
Stunning track!
@cdhmetal1974
Angel Witch rules!!
@pryletoncyo
Suffer! Best song ever.
@julian.castro18
wow this doesnt sound like angel witch, its like rock n roll but like all angel witch stuff, its AWESOME! very underrated band. im 14
@necrosadotor
now you're 26
@julian.castro18
@@necrosadotor you're correct :) time flies, man
@koeienboei
awesome :)