Angelica is a Melodic Metal band from Ontario, Canada that formed back in 1988 by guitarist-Dennis Cameron. Cameron is noted for his pop sensibility infused in his Metal and Hard Rock arrangements.
Dennis Cameron's love for the guitar began way back in his youth at the age of 6 when he first picked up the guitar. Dennis cut his teeth in 1986 when he joined a cover band that went by the name 'Antix' where he managed the guitar section for the group. In 1987 Dennis joined another band called 'Masquerade'. One night, while on an extensive tour with the band, Dennis was laying in bed and feeling all alone and empty inside. That night Dennis found God as he place he faith in the Creator of all things. Shortly thereafter, Dennis met vocalist-Andy Lyon and by 1988 they had put together a couple of recordings with the first being a 5-track demo and the second a 4-track demo. At this time Dennis was trying to land a deal with a record label, so he presented his material to Intense Records who in returned signed a 5-album record contract with the guitarist. Dennis' dream of having his own band was finally realized as 'Angelica' was now born.
Dennis Cameron's love for the guitar began way back in his youth at the age of 6 when he first picked up the guitar. Dennis cut his teeth in 1986 when he joined a cover band that went by the name 'Antix' where he managed the guitar section for the group. In 1987 Dennis joined another band called 'Masquerade'. One night, while on an extensive tour with the band, Dennis was laying in bed and feeling all alone and empty inside. That night Dennis found God as he place he faith in the Creator of all things. Shortly thereafter, Dennis met vocalist-Andy Lyon and by 1988 they had put together a couple of recordings with the first being a 5-track demo and the second a 4-track demo. At this time Dennis was trying to land a deal with a record label, so he presented his material to Intense Records who in returned signed a 5-album record contract with the guitarist. Dennis' dream of having his own band was finally realized as 'Angelica' was now born.
In 2019 Girder Records made available to the public both of Dennis' original demos and released them on CD format remastered and titled 'The Demo Sessions'. (Demo 1) includes tracks “Shine on Me”, “Will I Ever Learn”, “Take Me”, “Only a Man” and “S.O.S”. (Demo 2) includes tracks “One Step”(later changed to One Step at a Time), “I Believe”, “Satisfied”(later changed to Are You Satisfied) and “Danger Zone”. The musicians on the two demos are Andy Lyon-Lead Vocals & Dennis Cameron-Guitars, Bass, Drums, Production.
In an interview at 'Melodic-HardRock.com', Dennis states: "If it's one thing I could tell kids it's just hang in there; don't forsake or compromise your faith or your beliefs for the world or for anything. In a troubled time, knowing that I've gone through them--and I go through them almost weekly--just trust in the Lord. He'll pull you through it. He did for me. ~Dennis Cameron"
In 1989 Angelica stepped onto the Metal scene with the release of their full-length debut self-titled album. Their debut was released on Intense Records with Ken Tamplin being hired to produce the vocals for the album as a "vocal coach". Dennis Cameron brought on frontman-Andy Lyon who had previously handled lead vocals on their two demos. After having been pushed by Tamplin to perform at a higher level, Andy soon became "burned out" and then parted ways leaving the band at the studio without a lead singer. Ken Tamplin then suggested that they contact Rob Rock feeling that Rob's vocal style would work nicely with the band's arrangements. Rob agreed to help the band even though he was at the time recording vocals for 'Driver'. Rob often came to the studio, with a swollen throat to sing vocals for Angelica but always hammered his lines out like a real trooper. One can be assured that any project including Rob Rock's soaring vocal work is worth looking into. Rob Rock is known for all his solo projects along with his work with Driver and the many albums he has performed along side guitar extraordinaire-Chris Impellitteri.
The final line-up for Angelica's debut was comprised of Vocalist-Rob Rock, Vocalist-Ken Tamplin, Guitarist-Dennis Cameron, Bassist-Robert Pallen, Drummer-Scott Ernest, and Keyboardist-Marc Hugonberger.
As a bonus, the last track on the album track-12 "Face To Face" was performed by frontman-Ken Tamplin and is very reminiscent of his work from 'Shout' who had just previously released their debut album before this project.
In 2019 Girder Records remastered and reissued Angelica's full-length debut self-titled release.
The final line-up for Angelica's debut was comprised of Vocalist-Rob Rock, Vocalist-Ken Tamplin, Guitarist-Dennis Cameron, Bassist-Robert Pallen, Drummer-Scott Ernest, and Keyboardist-Marc Hugonberger.
As a bonus, the last track on the album track-12 "Face To Face" was performed by frontman-Ken Tamplin and is very reminiscent of his work from 'Shout' who had just previously released their debut album before this project.
In 2019 Girder Records remastered and reissued Angelica's full-length debut self-titled release.
“There’s Only One Hero”
The Son of God, the heirs to the Throne
A perfect sacrifice, it's time to make known
He lived a life, not just for his own
A perfect sacrifice, it's time to make known
What was I that You should die
Die to set me free
I only wish the whole world could see
The Son of God, the heirs to the Throne
A perfect sacrifice, it's time to make known
He lived a life, not just for his own
A perfect sacrifice, it's time to make known
What was I that You should die
Die to set me free
I only wish the whole world could see
In 1990 Angelica released their follow-up full-length sophomore album titled 'Walkin' In Faith' on the label-Intense Records. With this release the band has downsized to a 3-piece outfit with musicians Jerome Mazza on Lead Vocals, Dennis Cameron handling Guitars & Drums, and Robert Pallen managing Bass. One of the most notable changes to the line-up is with Rob Rock being replace by the band's new frontman-Jerome Mazza. Mazza's vocal delivery is a bit higher than Rob's and also fits well with the band's Melodic AOR Metal sound. Over all, this is a great follow-up to the band's debut release. It's hard to imagine anyone filling Rob's shoes behind the mic but Mazza has done a good job here.
For those who love the Bass guitar, Robert Pallen lays down some strong funky Bass lines on this release not unlike that which Bassist-Randy Jackson added to Journey's 1986 'Raised On Radio' album.
In 2019, to the delight of Metal fans around the world, 'Walkin' In Faith' was remastered and reissued by Girder Records.
For those who love the Bass guitar, Robert Pallen lays down some strong funky Bass lines on this release not unlike that which Bassist-Randy Jackson added to Journey's 1986 'Raised On Radio' album.
In 2019, to the delight of Metal fans around the world, 'Walkin' In Faith' was remastered and reissued by Girder Records.
"I'm Walkin' In Faith"
Tonight I will delight In your word,
Give me sight to see what your will is.
I hope that I'm not wrong.
Lord make me strong,
To walk away from sin again and again
I'm walkin' in faith
To show you Lord
I'm strong enough to stay
I know what right and wrong is
I'm talkin' in faith
The promises You made
I mean to take.
Tonight I will delight In your word,
Give me sight to see what your will is.
I hope that I'm not wrong.
Lord make me strong,
To walk away from sin again and again
I'm walkin' in faith
To show you Lord
I'm strong enough to stay
I know what right and wrong is
I'm talkin' in faith
The promises You made
I mean to take.
In 1991 Angelica released their third album titled 'Rock, Stock & Barrel' on the label-Intense Records. Once again Dennis Cameron has shaken things up by bringing on a new vocalist. Jerome Mazza was replaced by frontman-Drew Baca, who is backed by Guitarist-Dennis Cameron, Bassist-Robert Pallen, and new comer-Bobby Lawrence on Drums.
Drew Baca's delivery is very similar to that of the band's previous vocalist-Jerome Mazza. With that said, I believe that this is the key to a smooth transition here for the band in regards to their fan base.
With 'Rock, Stock & Barrel' the music direction continues in the veins of the band's 1990 'Walkin' In Faith' album however, the lyrics on their 1991 junior release are not as forthright as their previous albums.
In 2019 'Rock, Stock & Barrel' was remastered and reissued by Girder Records.
Drew Baca's delivery is very similar to that of the band's previous vocalist-Jerome Mazza. With that said, I believe that this is the key to a smooth transition here for the band in regards to their fan base.
With 'Rock, Stock & Barrel' the music direction continues in the veins of the band's 1990 'Walkin' In Faith' album however, the lyrics on their 1991 junior release are not as forthright as their previous albums.
In 2019 'Rock, Stock & Barrel' was remastered and reissued by Girder Records.
"Home Sweet Heaven"
Home sweet heaven
Where I wanna be
When you know there's a new world waiting
This place can lose it's appeal
Home sweet Heaven (Heaven)
When you know there's a kingdom coming
Days are lived in perfect peace
Home sweet heaven
Where I wanna be
When you know there's a new world waiting
This place can lose it's appeal
Home sweet Heaven (Heaven)
When you know there's a kingdom coming
Days are lived in perfect peace
In 1992 angelica released their fourth studio full-length album titled 'Time Is All It Takes' on the label-Intense Records. With this release we find the return of frontman-Drew Baca who is supported by Guitarist-Dennis Cameron, Bassist-Robert Pallen, and Drummer-Scott Ernest. The only line-up change to report is with Bobby Lawrence being replaced by percussionist-Scott Ernest.
'Time Is All It Takes' continues in the veins of their previous 2 albums but with a little more funk added for good measure. Some tracks that stand out on this release are "Second Chance", "Open Your Mind", "Gotta Get Ready", and the title track "Time Is All It Takes". With this release the vocals seem to be some what thin and buried in the mix at times and need to be brought forward a bit on future reissues of the album. In addition, once again we find that the albums lyrics are not as forthright with there message of Truth as the band's first two albums were.
'Time Is All It Takes' continues in the veins of their previous 2 albums but with a little more funk added for good measure. Some tracks that stand out on this release are "Second Chance", "Open Your Mind", "Gotta Get Ready", and the title track "Time Is All It Takes". With this release the vocals seem to be some what thin and buried in the mix at times and need to be brought forward a bit on future reissues of the album. In addition, once again we find that the albums lyrics are not as forthright with there message of Truth as the band's first two albums were.
In 1993 Angelica released their 5th recording which was a compilation album of the band's 'Greatest Hits'. This best of compilation is comprised of 12 tracks that were selected from Angelica's previous 4 albums. Most of these songs charted in the top five of the Rock and Metal categories of Christian radio. Those that didn't chart in the top five appear here on there artistic merits. This is the first time and only place where Angelica's 3 different vocalists have been brought together on one recording.
It's worth noting that with the release of Angelica's 'Greatest Hits' album, the band had fulfilled their 5-album record contract with Intense Records releasing Dennis Cameron from his contract.
It's worth noting that with the release of Angelica's 'Greatest Hits' album, the band had fulfilled their 5-album record contract with Intense Records releasing Dennis Cameron from his contract.
In 2019 Angelica released their 6th full-length studio album simply titled 'Without Words'. Yes, after a 26 year hiatus, Angelica has returned to the Metal scene with a new release. 'Without Words' is exactly as it suggests - the album is in essence without words(no vocals). What is offered up here is "angelic guitar shred" of the finest caliber featuring the amazing guitar work of axeman-Dennis Cameron. The album's sound quality is second to none with some of the finest production an album can receive. This is because Dennis produced, engineered, arranged, mixed, & mastered the entire album (with the exception of Psalm 91) which was mastered by Rick Brantley. The musicians for this release are Dennis Cameron on Guitars, Keyboards, Banjo & Mandoline and he is supported by Bassist-Paul Oatway along with Drummer-David 'Slim Jim' Brown.
Over the years, Angelica has played a big part in the christian Metal community and is one of those bands that deserve to be in every Metal head's collection. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of one, if not all, of their albums today! As a side note, if you read this entire review you just might be a Metal Head!
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