Screamin' 'n' Bleedin' cover

Screamin' 'n' Bleedin'

Angel Witch · 1985

43 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A turbulent blend of heavy metal riffs and haunting melodies, encapsulating the raw energy of the mid-'80s British metal scene.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Who’s to Blame — This opening track sets a powerful tone with aggressive guitar work and introspective lyrics that explore themes of accountability and despair, establishing the album's emotional depth.
  • →
    Screamin’ ’n’ Bleedin’ — The titular track showcases a blend of high-energy riffs and a haunting chorus, encapsulating the band's signature sound while addressing darker themes of pain and desperation.
  • →
    Afraid of the Dark — This song features dynamic shifts between melodic verses and explosive choruses, highlighting the band's ability to fuse storytelling with musical intensity, resonating with listeners on multiple levels.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album blends heavy riffs with melodic shifts, showcasing its place in the evolving British metal scene.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a heavy tone, followed by a mid-tempo ballad that introduces melodic elements.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, shifting from aggressive riffs to softer, haunting melodies.
  • The last two tracks slow down significantly, creating a contrasting atmosphere that feels like a resolution to the preceding intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo exploration
  • gritty riffs for late nights
  • haunting melodies for introspection
  • consistent journey through darkness

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat and fast tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1985, Screamin' 'n' Bleedin' was Angel Witch's third studio album, following their self-titled debut in 1980 and its less successful successor. By this time, the band was navigating a changing heavy metal landscape as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, striving to solidify their identity amidst emerging trends.
Stylistic neighbors
Iron Maiden· Judas Priest· Diamond Head

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Goodbye

    The final verse shifts abruptly from reflection to confrontation, presenting a stark rejection of nostalgic longing for lost connections.

    This structural pivot emphasizes a decisive break from the past, contrasting the earlier melancholy tone and signaling a moment of personal empowerment.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Who’s to Blame 4:03
  • 2 Child of the Night 3:46
  • 3 Evil Games 4:18
  • 4 Afraid of the Dark 5:58
  • 5 Screamin’ ’n’ Bleedin’ 4:37
  • 6 Reawakening 4:54
  • 7 Waltz the Night 5:53
  • 8 Goodbye 3:41
  • 9 Fatal Kiss 4:36
  • 10 U.X.V. 2:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata