Review by MartinDavey87 for Faith No More - Angel Dust (1992)

With 1989’s ‘The Real Thing’, Faith No More, with new vocalist Mike Patton in tow, had discovered an unfounded fame that shouldn’t have seemed possible. With a number of hit singles, it would seem these alternative weirdo rockers were destined to be a flash-in-the-pan. But with 1992’s ‘Angel Dust’, the band would smash any critics and prove that the success they’d garnered was fully warranted

The forth studio album by Faith No More, ‘Angel Dust’ improved upon its predecessor in every way. The writing is much more polished and mature (well, as mature as these guys can get!), the production sounds fantastic and still holds up to this day, and the instrumentation and performances are remarkable. Everyone has a moment to shine, whether it’s fully embracing the spotlight, or subtle inflections in the background, everyone plays to serve the music, and the band as a whole sounds great because of it. 

Tracks like ‘Land of Sunshine’, ‘Caffeine’, ‘Everything’s Ruined’, ‘Midlife Crisis’, ‘Be Aggressive’ and ‘Crack Hitler’ show the band at their heavy, funky and energetic best, while mellower tracks such as ‘Midnight Cowboy’, ‘RV’ and a cracking cover of Lionel Ritchie’s ‘Easy’ gives the listener a chance to catch their breath. 

Overall, ‘Angel Dust’ is a fantastic album, full of absolute anthems. Easily one of Faith No More’s best, if not THE best, and essential listening for all rock and metal fans.