_{I must admit that my knowledge of the band Angel was fairly limited before being sent “Old Habits Die Hard”, the new album by their singer Frank Dimino; prior its release by Frontiers Records on 10th July. I certainly knew of the band, but doubt that I could have named more than a couple of tracks. As the band’s heyday was in the 70’s rather than 80’s or early 90’s that’s not unexpected! I therefore wasn’t quite sure what to expect from “Old Habits Die Hard” when I listened to it for the first time. As you’re reading an album recommendation, needless to say it meets with my approval! I’ve already played “Never Again” and “Rockin In The City” on the Friday NI Rocks Show and more will follow.}

_{To be honest, prior to listening to the album, my main focus of interest had been the mention in the press release of Ricky Medlocke being involved, rather than the Angel link. As a big Blackfoot fan that was enough to get me listening to the album! And I’m certainly glad that I did. The key contributors to “Old Habits Die Hard” other than Frank himself are Stryper guitarist Oz Fox and Jeff Labansky, as well as producer Paul Crook (Meat Load / Anthrax). Others who have contributed are Angel band mates Punky Meadows on guitar and drummer Barry Brandt as well as Eddie Ojeda from Twisted Sister and Jeff Duncan from Armored Saint. Core performers are John Miceli on drums, Danny Miranda on bass and Justin Avery on keyboards.}

_{Angel are often labelled as “the band discovered by Gene Simmons”, even in the Frontiers press releases. However, doing a little research I found an excellent interview with Frank Dimino by Legendary Rock Interviews back in September 2012 in which he talks in depth about Angel.  As always, those rock n roll myths need to be viewed with a little cynicism. If you’re a fan of Angel the interview is worth checking out - http://www.legendaryrockinterviews.com/2012/09/24/angel-vocalist-frank-dimino-talks-new-reissues-reunion-and-more/}

_{In addition to the two tracks that I’ve already played on the Friday NI Rocks Show, my favourites would include “Even Now” and “Mad As Hell”.}

_{For more info check out  - http://diminoenterprises.com/}

_{About “NI Rocks Recommends”}

_{The simple idea behind “NI Rocks Recommends” is to acknowledge and promote some of the great music being submitted to Rock Radio NI. I'll not be giving marks or ratings or analyzing the tracks in great detail; just telling you something about the artist and the album. It’s a personal recommendation, not a traditional “review”!}

_{My musical tastes cover most things rock; from he not too melodic to the not too heavy. The albums that I’ll be recommending are merely those that I would buy myself and which you’ll be hearing played on my shows on Rock Radio NI.}

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