Time Will Tell

The Zoo Crew is spinning the powerful track "Time Will Tell" by Fifth Angel, from their 1989 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the heavy metal vibes. This song, the title track of the album, was a significant moment for the band, accompanied by a music video that hit MTV rotation, gaining nearly 800,000 views on YouTube since its upload in 2010. The track itself is a melodic yet intense piece, showcasing the band’s shift toward a more polished hard rock sound with producer Terry Brown, known for his work with Rush. In a 1988 interview with Hit Parader, drummer Ken Mary hinted at the band’s ambition to create a live show with “surprises” and unique elements, though logistical issues prevented touring at the time, leaving fans to experience the song’s energy primarily through the video and radio play. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its anthemic chorus and guitar-driven intensity, which Albumrock noted as part of the album’s “impeccable mastery” despite its struggle to stand out in the late ’80s metal scene.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s context within the album, which marked a transitional period for Fifth Angel. The departure of original guitarist James Byrd led to the introduction of Kendall Bechtel, whose guitar prowess added a fresh dynamic to “Time Will Tell.” According to a 2018 Limelight Magazine interview with bassist John Macko, the band faced challenges maintaining momentum after the album’s release due to the rise of grunge, which shifted industry focus away from melodic metal. Interestingly, the album’s track “Midnight Love” gained unexpected fame as the theme song for Howard Stern’s radio show for over four years, amplifying Fifth Angel’s reach beyond the metal community. Fans on Fifth Angel’s official Facebook often share nostalgic posts about discovering the band through Stern’s show or MTV, highlighting the song’s role in cementing the band’s cult status.

Fifth Angel got their start in 1983 in Bellevue, Washington, a suburb of Seattle, during a vibrant period for the local music scene. Formed by vocalist Ted Pilot, lead guitarist James Byrd, rhythm guitarist Ed Archer, drummer Ken Mary, and bassist Kenny Kay, the band quickly set out to craft their sound, inspired by the likes of Queensrÿche. They recorded a four-song demo in 1983 at Steve Lawson Productions with producer Terry Date, who later worked with Pantera and Soundgarden. This demo, featuring tracks like “Fade to Flames” and “Wings of Destiny,” caught the attention of Shrapnel Records, leading to their self-titled debut album in 1986. Initially released independently and later picked up by RoadRunner Records in Europe, the album became a cult classic, earning a $21 million, seven-album deal with Epic Records. Despite lineup changes, including Kenny Kay’s departure and John Macko’s arrival, the band’s early years were marked by their DIY ethos and dedication to honing their craft, as noted in a Sonic Perspectives review, which praised their independent spirit.

Today, Fifth Angel remains active, engaging with fans through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on new music and festival appearances. Fans can dive deeper into the band’s world through the Fifth Angel Fan Club on Facebook, a community where Zoo Freaks and metalheads alike discuss the band’s legacy and share rare memorabilia. The band’s official website, fifthangelofficial.com, offers merch, music, and news on their latest album, *When Angels Kill*, released in 2023 via Nuclear Blast. While no standalone fan websites dominate, the band’s presence on platforms like Metal Storm provides additional resources for fans to explore their discography and connect with the global metal community.