In the short history that RFUSA has been active, we have seen some of the best and the loudest in the underground metal scene.  It also warms our metal hearts to see that there are many great metal bands in the underground featuring members of the fairer sex, and none of them sound alike.  All of them have their own merits which make them great, make them stand out, and make them all deserving contenders for recognition.  Out of New York City, Phoenix Reign features its East meets West brand of power metal, the dark and doomy innovators of TENEbRAE, as well as bands such as Twilight Odyssey and Operatika.  The Garden State (and I use that term loosely) of New Jersey brings us the old school terrors Sonicide, the melodic power and emotion of Release, and the radio friendly hooks of Jaded Faith.  Virginia entertains us with the dark Andsvara and the folk-driven metal of Brave.  All talented, all great, and all deserving of your time and your CD-buying dollars.  Maryland?  Why, any metal fan down in the Old Line State should be familiar with the veteran warriors Scarlet Angel, and if not, get your ass over here and get familiar!

Scarlet Angel consists of vocalist Jackie Joyce, guitarist Michelle Arminger, drummer Kim Yates and bass player Rich Wilcox.  The band features three female members and has been kicking asses and taking names in the Baltimore club scene.  They have also opened for bands like Krokus, UFO, Kittie, Otep, and Crisis.  In 2004, the band released their self-titled debut album.  It has been very well received by the metal press worldwide, with vocalist Joyce’s amazing delivery being described as a female version of Geoff Tate and Rob Halford.  The band mixes the best in old school metal and hard rock with influences like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Queensryche and Heart.

Okay, enough blabbing…let’s dive into Scarlet Angel’s CD and see why you should be prepared for the Coming of the Angel!

The opening track is the intro “The Coming Of The Angel”…yeah, don’t say we didn’t warn ya!  The Angel is coming, and it’s gonna kick your ASS!

Oh yeah!  Let the party begin!  “Scarlet Angel” features an awesome retro riff that drills into your head like a jackhammer.  One listen and you’ll be banging out on your air guitar in no time!  Jackie Joyce belts out her song with attitude and ear-splitting power!  The perfect way to get things started off…have you gotten your leather jacket and acid-washed Levi’s out yet?  Why not?

“Chains Of Rock” starts out quietly in a seductive power ballad fashion before letting the fireworks explode.  A musician's ode to the seductive power of creativity, it features even more hooks and more banshee screams to get your pulse racing and your hair flying.

“Iron Clad Warriors” is a powerful war cry for the children of tomorrow.  Aggressive guitar riffing by Arminger powers this track, and Joyce’s wailing sounds out like an air raid warning.  Another awesome track.

The very punky aggression of “I Won’t Hurt You” is certain to cause many a moshpit to just happen out of nowhere.  Nothing fancy about this one, it’s a short, balls out heavy metal ass kicker certain to leave a few black and blue marks.  The song’s title is a lie!  It will hurt you, but in a good way!

Thrash metal fury…Scarlet Angel style is what I call “Airborne: Death From Above”.  Metallica-flavored riffing kicks out the fury on this ear-burning monster, which is a tribute to the late George Arminger, Michelle’s father, who served in the elite 82nd Airborne Division.  A fitting heavy metal tribute not just to her father, but to all who have served in the Airborne.  Patriotism is METAL!

“Angel Of Burning Ice” is probably my favorite track on the album.  I really love the riff on this track, and Jackie’s singing is absolutely awesome.  Damn, can this woman wail or what?  Love it!

More power ballad flavorings color the next track “Fear The Night”, as the seductive, sexy delivery by Joyce gives away to more hellfire provided by the great chord crafting of Arminger.  Another great power ballad with the emphasis on POWER!  One listen and you will fear the night too!

“Jack O Lantern” is a tribute to what the band calls every metal head’s favorite holiday…HALLOWEEN!  A track where the emphasis is on FUN! This song makes plenty of sense for this band because drummer Kim Yates runs her own haunted house.  A hard rocking ode to Hallows Eve mischief!  Jack o' lanterns rot away too soon anyway, so why not have some fun and smash them…but only your own!  Other people may call the cops!

Scarlet Angel really knows how to kick out the classic metal riffs that we all enjoy!  This band is a very tight unit that mixes slick pop metal hooks with plenty of aggression.  Guitarist Arminger burns the strings with her heavy chords and sweet solos.  Skinbasher Yates pounds those drums with authority and power, and vocalist Jackie Joyce unleashes a vocal attack that must be heard to be believed!  Keep those drinking glasses away from the speakers or they will become shards in a hurry!  This siren won’t seduce you…she’ll DESTROY YOU!  Former bass player John Mooney must be acknowledged, as his bass licks helped drive the engine that powers this beast.

Okay…did YOU prepare for the Coming of the Angel?  You didn’t?  Well now, you’d best be heading to the Scarlet Angel web site and buy a copy of their CD in a hurry.  If you have it, the Angel may just decide to spare you…but if not…well…you have been warned!  HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Review written by: Matt B.        
Date: December 18, 2006             
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5