The band began in 1985 as a solo project for ex-Tyrus guitarist Peter Hobbs, with the help of ex-Nothing Sacred members Mark Woolley (guitar), Sham (drums) and Karl Lean (bass), who recorded a number of demos which attracted interest from overseas labels. Hobbs' debut self-titled album was released in 1988 through German record label Steamhammer Records, which achieved a great deal of success in Europe. A second album, Inheritance was released in 1995, but failed to repeat the success of its predecessor and was an Australia-only release. Hobbs' Angel of Death broke up soon after the release the album.
In 2002, Peter Hobbs put the band back together and released a compilation album of his two early demos, and the band played a European tour including an appearance at Wacken Festival, and shows with German thrash legends Destruction and black metallers Mayhem. This has been the strongest point of the band's career so far.
Although playing traditional style thrash metal, Hobbs has often described his band's sound as "virgin metal", stating his sound as a pure style of music. The band ended in 2019 due to the passing of founder Peter Hobbs.
Brotherhood
Hobbs' Angel of Death Lyrics
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I summon the almighty
Virgins purity sacrificed
In your name the covents
Pure of spring
The blood that we drink
Will flourish in your veins
And enter the pits of hell
Oh prince of the black
I await your final command
The gates of hell lie awaiting
For us to turn the key come forth
Possess our souls I serve for eternity
I saw the life demonic
Power that trust beneath the earth
Thunder starts to crack
Lightning lights the sky I hail to thee
Of majesty come forth possess our souls
Lucifer prince of hell
Now I summon thee
The lyrics to Hobbs' Angel of Death's song Brotherhood are centered around Satanism and the worship of Lucifer, the lord of darkness. The lyrics describe a summoning of the devil with the hopes of gaining eternal servitude to him. The sacrifice of virgins in the name of Satan is mentioned as a price for the brotherhood to enter the pits of hell. The song praises Lucifer as the prince of blackness and asks for his final command to be given. The chorus calls for the opening of the gates of hell for the brotherhood to enter, willing to serve the devil for eternity.
The lyrics show a strong influence of thrash metal, which is known for using graphic and provocative lyrics that explore Satanic imagery. The song's lyrics show a level of fascination with the occult and are meant to shock listeners. They depict a dark and dangerous world where the devil is a powerful and seductive force. Hobbs' Angel of Death's music is known for its powerful, aggressive guitar riffs, and pounding rhythm section that complements the fierce vocals. Brotherhood is a standout track in their discography and is a prime example of their thrash metal sound.
Line by Line Meaning
Lucifer lord of darkness
Addressing the devil, ruler of evil and darkness.
I summon the almighty
Calling upon the devil and his power.
Virgins purity sacrificed
Sacrificing the purity of virgins in the name of the devil.
In your name the covents
Performing rituals in the name of the devil.
Pure of spring
Symbolizing the purity of the sacrifices being made.
The blood that we drink
Drinking the blood of the sacrifices made.
Will flourish in your veins
The devil will receive strength and power from the sacrifices.
And enter the pits of hell
The sacrifices will be sent to hell to serve the devil.
I hail to you
Showing reverence to the devil.
Oh prince of the black
Addressing the devil as the prince of darkness.
I await your final command
Awaiting the devil's final order or instruction.
The gates of hell lie awaiting
The gates of hell are waiting for those who have served the devil.
For us to turn the key come forth
Inviting the devil to claim the souls of those who serve him.
Possess our souls I serve for eternity
A desire for the devil to possess and control their souls for all eternity.
I saw the life demonic
Witnessing the power and presence of evil and demon-like beings.
Power that trust beneath the earth
The devil's power is derived from below the surface of the earth.
Thunder starts to crack
Thunder serves as an omen or sign of the devil's power and presence.
Lightning lights the sky I hail to thee
Lightning symbolizes the devil's power and the singer's reverence to him.
Of majesty come forth possess our souls
Calling upon the devil's majesty to possess their souls.
Lucifer prince of hell
Addressing the devil as the prince and ruler of hell.
Now I summon thee
Summoning the devil to come forth and answer their call.
Contributed by Alexandra K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.