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.
Crucifixion
Hobbs' Angel of Death Lyrics
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To the cross he was crucified
Crown of thorns upon his head
Satan laughed as the blood ran red
Beneath the earth the demons fled
To drink the tears that flowed from his head
Crucifixion death to Christ
Crucified death to Christ the price you paid
Extinction of your life
There you hang in total pain
No escape the demons sang
Crucifixion death to Christ
Crucifixion
First he lived then he died
To the cross he was crucified
Crown of thorns upon his head
Satan laughed as the blood ran red
Beneath the earth the demons fled
To drink the tears that flowed from his head
Crucifixion death to Christ
Crucifixion
Open the gates of hell giving life to Lucifer
Let the witches cast their spells
Sacrifice young virgin souls
Giving life to the dead
Blood will fill their graves
The children must wear the mark of an inverted crucifix
The song "Crucifixion" by Hobbs' Angel of Death tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Satan and his demons. The lyrics describe the physical torment that Christ endured as well as the spiritual warfare being waged around him. The crown of thorns that was placed on his head is mentioned, as is the blood that flowed from his wounds. The demons are described as drinking the tears that flowed from his head, which is a reference to the emotional pain that he experienced.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Crucifixion death to Christ" which serves as a reminder of the ultimate price that Christ paid for humanity. The demons are gloating, mocking Christ as he hangs on the cross in agony. The final verse takes a different turn as it describes the opening of the gates of hell and the summoning of Lucifer. The witches are mentioned as they cast their spells and sacrifice young virgin souls. This is accompanied by the image of blood filling graves and children being marked with an inverted crucifix.
Overall, the song is a dark and disturbing portrayal of the crucifixion, emphasizing the demonic forces at play and the suffering endured by Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
First he lived then he died
Jesus Christ lived a human life and then died.
To the cross he was crucified
Jesus Christ was nailed to a cross to die.
Crown of thorns upon his head
Before he was crucified, Jesus was mocked and tortured with a crown of thorns on his head.
Satan laughed as the blood ran red
Satan found pleasure in witnessing the pain and suffering of Jesus while he bled.
Beneath the earth the demons fled
The demons were afraid of the power of Jesus and fled underground.
To drink the tears that flowed from his head
The demons reveled in the sorrow and pain that Jesus experienced.
Crucifixion death to Christ
The act of crucifixion led to the death of Jesus.
Crucified death to Christ the price you paid
Jesus paid the ultimate price by suffering and dying on the cross.
Extinction of your life
By dying on the cross, Jesus ceased to exist in physical form.
There you hang in total pain
Jesus was in extreme pain while hanging on the cross.
No escape the demons sang
The demons celebrated the fact that Jesus was unable to escape from the torture and death he was enduring.
Open the gates of hell giving life to Lucifer
The song shifts focus to references to Satan and the idea of opening the gates of hell to release him and bring him life.
Let the witches cast their spells
The song mentions witches casting spells, contributing to the dark and evil theme.
Sacrifice young virgin souls
The song references a dark and disturbing practice of sacrificing young, innocent lives.
Giving life to the dead
The sacrifice of innocent lives is meant to bring life to the dead, a twisted and evil motive.
Blood will fill their graves
The result of the sacrifice will be filling graves with the blood of innocent victims, again contributing to the dark and evil theme.
The children must wear the mark of an inverted crucifix
The song ends with the reference to children being marked with an inverted crucifix, an additional symbol of darkness and evil.
Contributed by Aubrey C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.