Alcatraz Line up: 2019

In the mid-80s the burgeoning progressive metal scene in Seattle spawns several exceptionally talented bands. Acts such as Queensrÿche, Sanctuary and Metal Church give a more technical and progressive twist to the concept of heavy metal, fuelling a completely new subgenre in the process. Contrary to these iconic bands, Fifth Element never enjoys the same level of popularity even though they have every right to be considered the fourth Seattle band to help shape the genre. In spite of two amazing records, the self-titled ‘Fifth Angel’ & ‘Time Will Tell’, they never quite make it to the big leagues: it’s the classic tale of wrong decisions, a changing music scene and bad management. More’s the pity because their two albums effortlessly stand the test of time and sound just as fresh today as they did back then. In the early 90s it’s curtains for Fifth Angel as a new genre emerges in the West Coast port, a genre that will cause lots of metal bands the world over to pull the plug. Fifth Angel is one of those bands that doesn’t survive the soaring popularity of grunge. In 2010 the flame is briefly rekindled with a show at the German Keep It True festival but it isn’t until seven years later when the same festival asks them to headline that year’s edition, that serious plans start to germinate. In fact, the gig does down so well that the decision is made to start writing new material. Before long they’re snapped up by Nuclear Blast and the result is ‘The Third Secret’, a brand-new studio album released at the end of October 2018. Fan reactions are exuberant and many magazines name ‘The Third Secret’ CD of the month. Like Vio-Lence, Fifth Angel are crossing the Atlantic for a one-off show at Alcatraz so be there!