Wings of Destiny: The Untold Story of Fifth Angel
Introduction to Fifth Angel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 12, 2025) – Originating from Bellevue, Washington, Fifth Angel has captivated heavy metal enthusiasts for nearly four decades. While their intense music garnered a loyal fan base, the complete story of the band’s journey—marked by triumphs, challenges, and a stunning revival—has remained largely untold until now.
Upcoming Release: Wings of Destiny
Breakdown Room Publishing, LLC, is set to launch Wings of Destiny: The Story of Fifth Angel on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. This biography takes an in-depth look at one of the most remarkable bands to emerge from the Pacific Northwest. Authored by Brian J. Heaton, the book chronicles Fifth Angel’s origins, their excitement over securing a major label contract with Epic Records, their disbandment in 1990, and their recent resurgence.
Pre-Order Information
A limited author-signed and hand-numbered paperback edition of Wings of Destiny is available for pre-order exclusively at nwmetalworxmusic.com. A standard paperback and Kindle eBook will be released via Amazon.com on the book’s launch date. The narrative features interviews with current and former band members, with guitarist Ed Archer contributing the foreword.
A Comprehensive Exploration
Wings of Destiny is enriched with photographs that document the band’s evolution, including candid images from the members’ personal collections. It also contains a detailed list of the band’s performances, along with personal anecdotes and reminiscences from fans and media figures.
Author’s Background
Brian J. Heaton, who served as Fifth Angel’s spokesperson and managed their social media from 2009 to 2010, provides a unique perspective in his writing. He also briefly managed the band after their first live performance on April 24, 2010, at the Keep it True festival in Germany. His firsthand experiences have informed the narrative of Fifth Angel’s biography.
Insights from the Author
“I’m incredibly thankful to all the members of Fifth Angel for sharing their stories with me,” Heaton stated. “The band’s history is a thrilling roller coaster filled with ups and downs, making it a fascinating story to tell. As a fan myself, I aimed to create a narrative that appeals to both casual readers and devoted Fifth Angel followers.”
Unveiling Hidden Stories
Heaton meticulously explored various historical aspects in Wings of Destiny, including:
- The reasons behind lead guitarist James Byrd’s departure after the first record and signing with Epic Records.
- The true circumstances surrounding original singer Ted Pilot’s absence during the band’s reunion in 2009.
- The sudden disappearance of lead guitarist/singer Kendall Bechtel following the release of The Third Secret in 2018.
- Future expectations for Fifth Angel as they continue to create music and tour worldwide.
A Tale of Resilience
“Fifth Angel represents a classic story of a band with the potential for greatness, hindered by various obstacles,” Heaton explained. “The shifting music landscape in 1990 played a role, but the band also faced internal challenges. Yet here we are in 2025, with Fifth Angel still producing new music and performing for devoted fans who know every lyric. It’s a success story I am proud to share.”
About the Author
Brian J. Heaton is also known for his works, including Jason Slater: For the Sake of Supposing and Roads to Madness: The Touring History of Queensrÿche (1981-1997). He co-authored Building an Empire: The Story of Queensrÿche, the band’s first biography. After starting his writing career in 1998, Heaton transitioned into political communications before returning to journalism in the 2010s. He is currently based in Northern California with his family.
About Breakdown Room Publishing
Founded in October 2024, Breakdown Room Publishing, LLC, specializes in books and media focusing primarily on hard rock and heavy metal music. More information can be found at breakdownroom.net.
Conclusion
Wings of Destiny: The Story of Fifth Angel promises to be a compelling narrative that not only details the band’s challenges and triumphs but also celebrates their enduring legacy in the heavy metal scene. As fans eagerly anticipate the release, this biography offers a chance to delve deeper into the heart of Fifth Angel’s journey.
FAQs
When will Wings of Destiny be released?
The book is scheduled for release on October 21, 2025.
Where can I pre-order the limited edition?
A limited, author-signed edition can be pre-ordered exclusively at nwmetalworxmusic.com.
Will there be a digital version available?
Yes, a standard paperback and a Kindle eBook will be available for purchase on Amazon.com on the release date.
Who conducted the interviews for the book?
Brian J. Heaton interviewed all existing and many former members of Fifth Angel for the book.
What is the focus of the book?
The book covers the band’s history, including their formation, major label signings, challenges, and recent activities, along with personal stories from band members and fans.
