in memory of IRON ANGEL guitarist Peter Wittke

September 21, 2000: RIP Peter Wittke (Iron Angel guitarist 1983-1986, 1997-2000)

The Metal Archives shows that Peter was with Iron Angel (Germany) during their initial run that built their reputation as a heavy metal/speed metal band, in particular their two 1980s albums: 1985 Hellish Crossfire and 1986 Winds of War.

"The band's origins can be traced back to 1980 when drummer Mike Matthes and bassist Thorsten Lohmann were in a school band called Metal Gods, taken from the Judas Priest song of the same name. In 1983, they formed their own band, with guitarists Peter Wittke and Sven Strüven as additional members. They began to audition for a vocalist, in which Dirk Schröder was present at the time. With no other vocalists meeting their needs, Schröder was selected. The band was then known as Iron Angel, which was inspired by a novel about a spirit hunter. Three demos were recorded in 1984, with one of them being the result of the band's signing to SPV/Steamhammer. Their debut album Hellish Crossfire was released in 1985, which received critical acclaim and became known in the German speed metal scene. In 1986, bassist Thorsten Lohmann departed the band and was replaced with Günther Moritz as their temporary member for the tour with King Diamond in Germany, prior to the next album Winds of War, which was released in June 1986. The album's style was slightly different than its predecessor. It is explained that the members debated about the band's musical direction, which resulted in rising tensions until mid 1986. Iron Angel then decided to call it quits." -Wikipedia

IRON ANGEL - The Metallian