Members
Select a Fifth Angel band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Fifth Angel is an American heavy metal band hailing from Bellevue, Washington. Formed in 1983 by high-school friends Ted Pilot (vocals) and Ed Archer (guitar), the group expanded to include James Byrd (lead guitar), John Macko (bass), and Ken Mary (drums). Known for their powerful blend of glam metal, power metal, and AOR, Fifth Angel emerged in the mid-'80s, drawing inspiration from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and sharing a sonic kinship with Pacific Northwest contemporaries like Queensrÿche and Metal Church. Their early albums, Fifth Angel (1986) and Time Will Tell (1989), solidified their place in the heavy metal scene before they disbanded in the early '90s and later re-formed in 2017.
How to Sound Like Fifth Angel
Fifth Angel's sound is characterized by high-energy guitar riffs and soaring melodic vocals, underpinned by a rhythmic powerhouse that channels the urgency and flair of 1980s metal. Their music often features harmonized guitar leads that create a rich, layered effect, achieved through the use of dual guitar setups and high-gain amplifiers that deliver both clarity and punch. The band's dynamic drumming and driving bass lines provide a robust backdrop for intricate solos and anthemic choruses. To replicate Fifth Angel's sound, musicians might focus on tube amp warmth and employ chorus and reverb effects to enhance their melodic passages, capturing the band's blend of aggression and melody that defines their heavy metal aesthetic.
