The legendary Suisse hardrock band BLACK ANGELS is back again. TheBLACK
ANGELS were founded in 1979. After 5 records and a lot of broken dreamsand promises the band were split in
1985 -until now. In this time gigs
and tours with Mothers Finest, Alvin Lee Band, Ten Years After were the
highlights - and also tours as support
act of Uriah Heep and Withesnake and a tour together with Nazareth in
the U.K. Next steps of the carrier
were also chart placements and TV shows appearance.
The
current line-up of the BLACK ANGELS played together in another band
project and be on stage together with
Slade (1998), Company of Snakes(2001), Manfred Mann's Earth Band (2001),
In Extremo (2002), The
King and Barclay James Harvest feat. Les Holroyd (2004), the Hooters
(2005), Nena & Band (2008).
Tours
and gigs are planned in 2010 – also a new album. The current sound of
the band is modern but yet, somehow,
classic thanks to a strong rhythm section and to a thrilling performance.
There albums will fitperfectly in every rocker’s discography; everyone will be able to enjoy
the band’s amazing comeback on the scene.
BLACK ANGELS will spread their rockin' wings again. But 20 years are gone and
the spirit of the age and also the
musical taste changed. With the spirit of the BLACK ANGELS and the sound
of today, the BLACK ANGELS' will rise again. In words of an “old and ex-” BLACK ANGELSmusician: “… better
than ever…”
Eine Rockformation, die schon in den 80igern für
Furore geht wieder an den Start: „Ron Phillips BLACK ANGELS“. Zusammen mit KROKUS, CHINA, KILLER gehörten die BLACK ANGELS mit zu den
ersten Schweizer Rock-formationen, die auch über die Grenzen hinaus bekannt sind. Ron
Phillips, Leadsänger derUrbesetzung der BLACK ANGELS, ist als einziger der alten BLACK ANGELS Garde immer noch aktiv
im Geschäft. Durch seine einzigartige Rockstimme war und ist Ron eine soundbestimmende Kraft der
BLACK ANGELS - und ein Grund, warum
die BLACK ANGELS bleibenden und erfolgreichen Eindruck im jungen Buch
der Schweizer Rockgeschichte hinterlassen haben.
Gigs
und Tourneen mit Mothers Finest, Alvin Lee Band, Ten Years After, Uriah
Heep und Whitesnake und Nazareth gehörten zu den Höhepunkten.
Die
Schweizer Hardrockband BLACK ANGELS wurde 1979 gegründet. Nach 4 Alben,
etlichen Tourneen durch Europa,
Auftritten in Funk und Fernsehen hörte die Band 1985 einfach auf.
Jetzt
erhalten die alten Alben der BLACK ANGELS aus den 80igern das, was Sie
seit über 20 Jahren verdient haben,
und was sich treue Fans immer wieder wünschten: Karthago Records hat
alle 4 Langspielplatten der BLACK ANGELS digitalisiert als CDs auf den Markt gebracht. Und: Nach über 20
Jahren gibt es jetzt auch eine Scheibe
– und die Band freut sich, auch wieder live guten Rock zu präsentieren.
Das neu
aufgelegte Rockmenü der klassischen Art reiht sich so nahtlos in die
Geschichte der BLACK ANGELS ein.
Denn:
es wird Rockmusik geboten, die in das Ohr und sofort in die Beine geht.
Jetzt gibt es alles aus einem Guss,
und einfach volle Kanne Rock auf die Ohren:
„Welcome „Ron Phillips BLACK ANGELS“.
Overview
The BLACK ANGELS in short lines:
· Aprox. 100.000 selled longplayer
· 7 albums and compilations
· Album "Hellmachine" several weeks in the TOP20
of Swiss charts
· Album "Kickdown" several weeks in the TOP10 of
Swiss charts
· "You're all I've got tonight" was several weeks
on the 5th place n the TOP10 of Swiss charts
· Good international Air-Play
· Many TV- and radio shows
· Aprox. 300 shows and tours across Europe
· Founded 1979
· Paused 1985
· Rerelease 2009 by Ron Phillips
· New album in 2010
· Top CD-reviews worldwide
· Concerts with Mothers Finest, Alvin Lee Band,
Ten Years
After, Uriah Heep, Whitesnake,
Nazareth, Slade; John Lawton's Gunhill, Company
of Snakes, InExtremo, Manfred Mann's Earth
Band, The King, Barclay James Harvest, Hooters,
Nena & Band, aso.
Bandmembers
Lead vocals In 1970 Ron started climbing up the ladder of his
musical way of success. Together with Rudi he founded their 1st
band in 1977. In 1980 Ron left the band and joined XANTILON in
Switzerland. In 1982 Ron became the lead singer of the Suisse
rock legend and black leather hard rock band BLACK ANGELS. In
this time Ron set milestones in the young book of the Suisse
hard rock scene. The BLACK ANGELS were in line with KROKUS and
CHINA. After tours through Europe the BLACK ANGELS were split up
in 1985. After his time Ron joined different bands and founded
together with Rudi in 1995 their own musical dream in a own
music project. During this development it was the right way to
restart “Ron Phillips BLACK ANGELS”. Ron is known as charismatic
and perfect front man - according to the voice of WHITESNAKE,
David Coverdale. Ron is a real Entertainer
Ron Phillips
Rudi Martin
Guitar
In 1977 Rudi founded together with Ron their 1st band. The repertoire was already own hard rock songs. Also this 1st band seems very up-coming success. After 3 years of touring, Ron accepted an offer from a band in Switzerland. After this change Rudi spend his time in different bands. After the BLACK ANGELS split up at the middle of the 80ties it was the main
goal from Ron and Rudi to start a commonmusic project. This project became true in 1995. During this time songs were performed according to the sound of the BLACK ANGELS. So it was the own right way that the latest project were switched into Ron Phillips BLACK ANGELS. Rudi
is known for his melodic and sentimental rock guitar skills. During guitar playing Rudi is always perfectly walking on the
edge between all the tunes the band need.
Bass
Michael initiated his music carrier also in 1977. The first band
was split up in 1982. During the next years Michael joined
different bands like AYDEN (together with Thilo Herrmann from
RUNNING WILD and GRAVE DIGGER), BEAST (for technical support)
and JR CRUZ (Forgive him, if he forgot some). In this time
Michael played also together with Ron at different sessions and
projects. And it was a dream of Ron and Michael that they want
to found a common band project. But Ron and Michael were always
established in different bands. In 2003 the dreams became true
and Michael joined the band of Ron and Rudi. Michael plays a
powerful bass guitar and like a strong live acting. It’s
Michael’s main goal that the ordinance should feel the truth and
the fun of making music – with a bulk of self-mockery.
Michael Enders
Marc "the shark"
Drums
Marc “the shark” got many experience informer Metal, Rock and coverbands like Acrimony, Artconvention and Stoned- Henge. He started his career in 1995 and joined the band with Michael in 2003. For his drumming balance Marc did and do actually some studio jobs and he is also the drummer of TREMORS. Marc is obviously the youngest member of the band… (smile) and get his extended drumming skills by the teamwork with Dani Loeble, the drummer of HELLOWEEN. His powerful interaction with the bass guitar of Michael is one of the most outstanding attribute of “Ron Phillips BLACK
ANGELS”.
Reviews
METAL TO INFINITY
Review Belgium
Regular visitors of Metal To Infinity webzine know that we have a burning
passion for old school Hard Rock and Metalmusic. It's in our veins - we like to show / share our admiration for
Classic stuff with all of you checking our homepage on from time to time. A huge package of old school bands passed already
the revue - be sure many more will in within immense time!
Yeah, I'm proud to announce a very special release from band (maybe for
some of you pretty unknown) but I'd like to stick my hands into the fire and while saying that Swiss based Black
Angels brought me unforgettable moments by bringing out a few excellent albums like: ''Hellmachine'', ''Kickdown''
and ''Black And White'' way back in the early eighties. They had more albums behind their name but these three
mentioned ones are lying still fresh in my mind - just like yesterdayreleases.
Never before available on CD so brothers and sisters into Classic Hard
Rock and Metal stuff... this is the ultimate opportunity to make your CD collection even more complete. A band like
Black Angles belongs in every vintage Rock and Metal maniac's collection so... take your chances for this limited 4
CD box set containing, besides those three earlier mentioned titles, also the albums ''Broken Spell'' and ''Changes''
(which is their brand new effort officially worked out in 2009)!
Each CD fulfilled with bonus tracks, many pages counting and good looking
booklet including background history, lyrics,inties - the production is well done,... once again, a real 'musthave'
for the true defenders of Classic Hard Rock and Metal. We reviewers only received a snap of the entire package, I mean a few
songs from each albums we received but I don't care about that at all. I knew Black Angels from many years ago, always a
great band to me and I'm really pleased to know that Karthago Records spoiled us all with this 4 box CD set. Feels
good to hear Ron Phillips' voice again after such a long time - unique to the bone, this guy and the rest of the original
band members deserve a statue - a medal of honour for the awesome works delivered trough several decades in pure
Rock & Metal. To the unfamiliar, curious ones - Black Angels plays typical Classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music I'd
like to compare with other troops as The Glory Bells Band, Parasite, Trance, early Scorpions,... guys into
NWOBHM better look out for Black Angels too, you won't bedisappointed!
They're back on the trax and ready to Rock and Roll again - new album
just released, the next months they will hit the road to deliver several live acts - stay clear minded and be there
watching Black Angels bringing on a brand new live´performance perhaps in your own neighbourhood. Approximately 280 minutes
of nostalgia available through Karthago Records... 4 CD's, five albums, a lot of bonus songs and more goodies to
enjoy - make the right decision and order now right HERE.
Return of the swiss angels Notice to fans of Hard Rock 80's and people
wanting to revisit some of the history of Metal or 80's to discover it!
BLACK ANGELS is a group of German-speaking Switzerland which began in
1979 and has released four albums and a single between 1981 and 1985, more so because they are for us French it
must be said ...
Stefan to KARTHAGO had the very good idea to leave a box limited to 500
copies containing these four albums and a CD of new titles (all compounds over the past ten years by Ron
PHILLIPSsinger. Each of the four CDs can be purchased unit (limited to 500 copies as
well). The group in its infancy has made securities between Hard and heavy,
always melodic. That could be the 80's to BLACK ANGELS in a BONFIRE families (or for those who do not know BONFIRE of
SCORPIONS and more and more direct Underground).
On some titles Rock'n'Roll spirit of a MEAT LOAF is also present. Changes
will return the album in a style necessarily more mature, less cliché and more personal . From the Hard Rock used
wholesale by a very good production, a song between Klaus MEINE and David COVERDALE and compositions that, my faith,
reach their goal of 80%. titles as Shine On, Changes, The Evil, Song Of Glory or Coming Home are in the
Essentially, good rhythm and are especially awar recreate the spirit of the 80's. These securities have this little
something Heavy Metal (SCORPIONS time Black Out, DIO or SAXON times) does not displease me.
For other securities are much more melodic (Walking Away with a female
vocal part, Lovelights Shining, Water To The Well, Rock The City, Talking To Angels, Changes, I Don't
Forget Dance or Right Down The Road and Loving You Sunday Morning to SCORPIONSside, for example).
Other securities being between the two.
In summary Changes will still be for fans of quality Hard Rock with
influences marked SCORPIONS, BONFIRE and WHITESNAKE a bit. But it is by far the best album of the remaining
objective.
The booklet contains a lengthy interview and the words of allsecurities.
Style: Melodic Hard Rock to 80's
Art Party: 3 / 5
Interest to Fans of 80's Heavy Metal: 3.5 / 5
Interest in traditional metal fans in general: 5 / 5
RASKAL The French Warrior gives: 15/20
RASKAL gives Objective: 17/20
The legendary Black Angels are back after 24 years and their essence has
not been corrupted by time since 1979. The swiss band is formed by singer and front man Ron Phillips (Boyscout),
guitarist Rudi Martin, bass player Michael Enders and drummer Mark “the shark”. Those who love the band and its “Kickdown”
album won’t be disappointed by the new record “Changes-The last decades”. This record is the living proof of a
pure and thrilling instant of creativity, this will be so evident when you will listen to the very first track of the album:
“Shine on”; the song perfectly embodies Black Angels’ strenght and attitude. This track rushes out thanks to Ron Phillips
expressive, powerful voice and to electrifying riffs.
They spoil and conquer us with their hard rock and with songs like "Walking
Away", "Changes", "The Evil", "Right on down the Road", the slow and thoughtful “Talking to Angels” and the delicate
ballad "Changes II" wich charms the listeners and attracts their attention. The sound of the band is modern but yet,
somehow, classic thanks to a strong rhythm section and to a thrilling performance. This album will fit perfectly in
every rocker’s discography; everyone will be able to enjoy the band’s amazing comeback on the scene. I listened to "Changes
– The last Decades" over and over again and I really think it’s brilliant. You should buy it immediately!
Check
out the band’s on the web:
INTERVIEW WITH RON PHILLIPS OF THE BLACK ANGELS AND ANGELSDEVIL OF
THE ROCKREBEL MAGAZINE AngelDevil:
Hi Ron, how are you?
Ron: Thanks, I’m fine, just doing a lot of promotional work for the Black
Angels CD and also rehearsing a lot for the upcoming concerts next month in Switzerland.
AngelDevil: Why your band splitted up? What’s the reason about the great
return on the scene of Black Angels after so many years of silence a come back now?
Ron: Just as indicated: the band advanced very quickly. Right after
publishing the first album, there were gigs and we went on tour with Mothers Finest, Alvin Lee Band, Ten Years After, etc.
Following the release of the second album "Kickdown" this went on just as it had started: chart entry with the LP
and single, tours as support act of Uriah Heep and Whitesnake, European release of “Kickdown” and then the climax:
almost five weeks tour support for Nazareth in the UK. In addition we had TV gigs and produced two video
clips. After that, the band made every single mistake you can only think of. To
give you just one example: we signed off the existing record company deal, because we were offered a MUUUCH better one
from another company. Then it all went downhill very fast. Band members changed – and this is mostly the end of
a good band. It was just the same with us...
In the course of the years I often played Black Angels songs with
different bands and lots of people asked for CDs or LPs. I always loved these songs and kept them alive during live sessions. At
one point it came into my mind: why not give the fans more than just a few songs? Why not have a revival of the Black
Angels? And here we are!
AngelDevil: Lets talk about the new record. "Changes – The last Decades"
is an amazing album. The title, does that refer to how you feel about the band’s career, your life?
Ron: Yes, that`s right. Life and music goes through many changes for me,
but after all that changes I realized that my heart always stay true to what I love most in music: Guitar driven,
melodic hard rock with great hook lines.
AngelDevil: How long did it take to record the album?
Ron: Most of the songs were recorded last year in a 6 month period. A few
songs are a little bit older. One song (Water to the well) was laid down in the studio of a good friend who
often do the pre-production of the Uriah Heep records.
AngelDevil: I've got the feeling that since "Shine On"; you found the
good formula to write powerful melodic hard rock song. Am I true?
Ron: Thank you for that compliment, but I don’t think there is any
formula to write successful songs…otherwise there must be a million of rock`n roll millionaires. As I said: You can only
try to write the best songs that are in your head and your heart. When someone likes it: You’re lucky!
AngelDevil: I agree. Which is the song that you mostly loved or which is
the one that gave you much inspiration in that project? I have to say that I fell in love for "Right on Down The Road"
and of course "Shine On".
Ron: When you have kids you can’t say which of them you love most. You
love them all! The same with our songs: I love them all, some day a special song a little bit more.. Right now it’s
“Song of glory” and “Burn baby burn“. See what tomorrow will bring..
AngelDevil: If you had to convince a reader of the webzine to buy
"Changes – The last Decades", what would you say to him ?
Ron: Do you like music in the tradition of bands like Whitesnake
Scorpions, Journey or Deep Purple? I mean: Do you like straight forward rockin`songs with a guitar and a voice who has something
to say?-I think, then you will love the BLACK ANGELS Changes Album. Give us a chance and you won’t be disappointed.
AngelDevil: Which is the bestseller album connected with your discography?
Which song or album does represent your style better?
Ron: Best selling album was “ Kickdown “.We did a lot of promotional work
and gigs for this one. We do a lot of touring when this album came out, supporting Whitesnake in Switzerland and for 5
weeks NAZARETH in the UK. It’s also the album who has all the trademarks, in the past and now for the BLACK
ANGELS sound. Riff orientated and highly melodically.
AngelDevil: Would you want to tell me more about members of the band? Ron: I played with many fantastic guitar players during my time. Some
were technically brilliant, others great entertainers, but no one was able to transmit emotions and strength like Rudi does. He
brings the songs to life and at concerts heplays like if there was nothing else. There is no other for this position
Mikel our bass player and I wanted to do something together for 20 years now, but there was always something coming in
between. I always appreciated his groovy and powerful play and his way of arranging songs. We are a great team. Marc
is the drummer in the band and must be in charge of the girls.. just kidding! He is highly talented and he can just
play everything. We are busy all the time to keep him from being lured away by other renowned bands. The coolest drummer I
ever met, and he rocks like nuts. That’s why we call him Marc the "shark…
AngelDevil: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far as a
musician?
Ron: First of all: the moment in 1983 when I first held the Kickdown LP
in my hands with the knowledge that this record was just released all over Europe. Amazing!!! Also the possibility to
share a lot of stages with other great bands like IN EXTREMO, WHITESNAKE-MANFRED MANNS EARTHBAND- NAZARETH - MOTHERS
FINEST- URIAH HEEP - BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST and many others.
AngelDevil: Something I didn’t ask while your fans would like to know
about you?
Ron: In which country do you want to play, where you haven’t been in you
career?
NO JOKE, I`ve been all over Europe but I’ve never played any concert in
ITALY! !
Can you help me to change that immediately???
WE´RE READY FOR YOU!!!
AngelDevil: Ok Ron, we’re done. Thank you very much for your availability,
and I hope to see you play in Milan soon!
Mit einem Monster von Box-Set, das vier CDs und ein opulentes Booklet
enthält, treten die BLACK ANGELS etwas überraschend nach mehr als 20jähriger „Pause“ zum Comeback an. „1981 –
2009“ enthält nicht nur den gesamten Backkatalog zum ersten Mal auf Silberscheibchen, sondern obendrein auch
den brandaktuelle Dreher "Changes". In der Ursuppe der eidgenössischen Rockszene befand sich neben den noch
immer aktiven und weltweit bekannten KROKUS mit den BLACK ANGELS auch eine Formation, der trotz durchwegs
beachtlicher Veröffentlichungen der internationale Durchbruch leider verwehrt geblieben ist.
In den 80er Jahren schaffte es das Sextett allerdings zumindest in der
Heimat amtlich durchzustarten und hatte schon lange Jahre vor GOTTHARD als Rock-Band Chart- Platzierungen zu
verzeichnen. Auch wenn die Band veröffentlichungs-technisch nur von 1981 bis 1985 in Erscheinung getreten ist, kann sich
ihre Diskograhie durchaus sehen lassen, denn in diesen Jahren haben sich die "Engelchen" mächtig ins Zeug gelegt. Die
Schweizer hatten innerhalb von nur fünf Jahren satte vier Longplayer und eine EP eingespielt, die allesamt als
Vinyl-Versionen noch immer in Umlauf sein sollten.
Auf CD dagegen gab es bislang von den BLACK ANGELS noch nichts. Doch
diese Tatsache wird nun mit einem einzigen Schlag geändert. Karthago Records haben sich nämlich den gesamten
Backkatalog gesichert und legen dieser Tage ein wahrlich imposantes Box-Set vor. Darin enthalten ist nicht bloß eine
Retrospektive im Sinne einer Compliation, sondern sämtliche(!) Alben in vollem Umfang, und das zum ersten Mal auf
Polycarbonat. Das Debüt "Hellmachine" und das 1985er-Scheibchen "Black & White" haben
auf einem Silberling ausreichend Platz gefunden und geben einen guten Überblick zur Entwicklung dieser Band, die
sich im Laufe ihrer Existenz vom eher NWOBHM-geschwängerten Hardrock, hin zum "Classic Rock" orientiert hat,
ohne dabei aber die Roots außer Acht zulassen. Um dem Interessenten ausreichend Grund für den Erwerb dieses Sets
zu geben, haben sich die Macher nicht lumpen lassen und "Kickdown" (1983), sowie "Broken Spell" (das letzte
Werk aus dem Jahr 1985) mit wahrlich beeindruckenden Anteilen an Bonus-Material versehen, zu dem auch
Live-Mitschnitte von Gigs in Zürich anno 1982, sowie ausdem Jahr 1984 in London zählen.
Doch auch das ist noch lange nicht alles, was in Sachen BLACK ANGELS aus
dem Hut gezaubert werden konnte. Die Formation existiert in runderneuerter Form seit kurzer Zeit wieder und
hat uns dazu passend mit "Changes" auch ein brandneues Album anzubieten, das diese Box perfekt abzurunden versteht.
Auch wenn mit Sänger Ron Phillips nur noch ein einziger "Engel" von früher mit von der Partie ist, haben es die
Eidgenossen perfekt geschafft, ihren lässig intonierten Hardrock aus der Vergangenheit gekonnt in die Gegenwart zu
transferieren.
Die Zeitlosigkeit der Musik dieser Band äußert sich nicht zuletzt
dadurch, dass sie auf ihrem brandneuen Album klingen,als ob die sie einer Zeitmaschine entstiegen wären, allerdings ohne dabei
die Aktualität aus den Augen zu verlieren."Retro" im Sinne von "altbacken" klingen andere, die BLACK ANGELS machen
schlichtweg exakt das, was man von ihnen kennt. Da ein Comeback-Album allein aber nicht ausreichend ist, um einen
Bandnamen nach dermaßen langer Funkstille erneut ins Gespräch zu bringen, werden wir uns noch im Laufe dieses
Jahres von der – aus der Vergangenheit kolportierten - Live-Stärke dieser Formation überzeugen lassen können.
Ein nicht nur wegen der überaus opulenten Aufmachung (die von einem
fetten Booklet inklusive umfangreicher Historie abgerundet wird) ungemein hochwertiges Werk, das auf Grund der Aktualität
zudem keineswegs lediglich für "Rock- Historiker" interessant sein sollte.
Anspieltipps: Queen Of The Night, Hellmachine, Rock The City, Flying
High, Shine On
