Wings of Destiny: The Story of Fifth Angel
Book Release Announcement
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 14, 2025) – The highly anticipated biography, Wings of Destiny: The Story of Fifth Angel, is now available for purchase on Amazon.com and at bookstores worldwide. Authored by Brian J. Heaton, this comprehensive account chronicles the journey of the iconic heavy metal band, Fifth Angel, from their roots in the Seattle area during the 1980s to their resurgence nearly two decades later.
A Deep Dive into Fifth Angel’s History
As the first biography dedicated to Fifth Angel, Wings of Destiny leaves no detail unexplored. Heaton meticulously examines pivotal moments in the band’s history, including:
- The departure of lead guitarist James Byrd before their sophomore album, Time Will Tell.
- The absence of original vocalist Ted Pilot during the band’s 2009 reunion.
- The enigmatic exit of lead guitarist and singer Kendall Bechtel following the release of The Third Secret in 2018.
The Band’s Legacy
Originating from Bellevue, Washington, Fifth Angel is an American heavy metal band often compared to giants like Queensrÿche, Scorpions, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. The band signed with Shrapnel Records in 1986, releasing their self-titled debut album. They later transitioned to Epic Records in 1988, which reissued their first album along with the follow-up, Time Will Tell. Their track “Midnight Love” famously became the theme song for The Howard Stern Show before the group disbanded in 1990. After a hiatus, Fifth Angel reunited in the 2010s, delivering new music with The Third Secret in 2018 and When Angels Kill in 2023, both through Nuclear Blast.
Author’s Insights
“For a band that wasn’t very active during its heyday, Fifth Angel has a fascinating and rich story,” Heaton remarked. “From their pursuit of success with Epic Records to the myriad of lineup changes during their reunion, piecing together this narrative was an adventure. I hope to provide fans with an in-depth exploration of Fifth Angel’s history.”
Book Details
Wings of Destiny is available in three formats: deluxe hardcover, standard paperback, and eBook. The full-color book spans nearly 300 pages and includes over 100 images, featuring exclusive candid photographs from the band members’ personal collections.
“The band members were incredibly supportive, providing extensive interviews and archival imagery that enriched the narrative,” Heaton added. “Fans of Fifth Angel and heavy metal enthusiasts alike will appreciate the unique and turbulent journey of this band, which truly embodies the ‘what could have been’ narrative in heavy metal history.”
Availability for Reviews and Interviews
A .pdf copy of Wings of Destiny: The Story of Fifth Angel is available for review upon request via email. The author is also open to interviews to discuss the book and the band’s history.
About the Author
Wings of Destiny marks Heaton’s fourth published work. His previous titles include Jason Slater: For the Sake of Supposing (2025) and Roads to Madness: The Touring History of Queensrÿche (1981-1997) (2024). He also collaborated with James R. Beach and Brian L. Naron on Building an Empire: The Story of Queensrÿche (2021).
Conclusion
Wings of Destiny: The Story of Fifth Angel is not just a biography; it’s an exploration of a band’s resilience and an homage to the heavy metal scene that shaped its identity. Heaton’s insightful narrative, paired with personal anecdotes and images, promises to be a thrilling read for fans and newcomers alike.
FAQs
What formats is the book available in?
The book can be purchased in deluxe hardcover, standard paperback, and eBook formats.
Where can I buy Wings of Destiny?
The book is available on Amazon.com and at various bookstores worldwide.
Can I get a review copy of the book?
Yes, a .pdf copy is available for review purposes upon request via email.
Who is the author of the book?
The book is written by Brian J. Heaton, who has authored several other works focusing on heavy metal history.
