One of the more gloomy NWOBHM entries, Pagan Altar from Brockley, England are a band of mythical cult status. Pagan Altar formed in 1978. The band became known for their atmospheric and deeply occult live performances. They often appeared on stage in hooded cloaks in front of an altar, black candles and inverted crosses close at hand. They self-released the album Volume 1 in 1982 and soon after, the band unceremoniously split up, but reformed in 2004 and released the godly album Lords of Hypocrisy. 2006 saw the release of another fantastic album titled Mythical & Magical. Along with epic, emotive songs, the crown jewel of the Pagan Altar sound is the inimitable nasal voice of Terry Jones. He sounds like no one else. The whole Pagan Altar vibe is very witchy and wholly British. It's misty English countrysides and stony paths where ancient, unruly sprites loom just out of frame. It's the somber event of a witch trial. It's Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing smoking a joint at Stonehenge. Yes, It's that fucking good.
