Witness the melodic power metal era in a video that hinted at big things for a Seattle band poised for greatness.
The Song
"Time Will Tell" is the title track from Fifth Angel's second studio album, released in 1989. Penned by Ed Archer, Kendall Bechtel, and Ted Pilot, the song showcases the band's blend of heavy metal with a more melodic, accessible sound that marked a slight departure from their debut. The album itself was produced by the acclaimed Terry Brown, known for his work with progressive rock legends Rush.
While "Time Will Tell" was the album's title track and had an accompanying music video, another song from the album, "Midnight Love," achieved notable success by becoming the theme song for Howard Stern's highly-rated U.S. radio show for over four years. This exposure cemented "Midnight Love" as a recognizable tune for many, even if the band's name wasn't always at the forefront.
The Artist
Fifth Angel emerged from the vibrant Seattle music scene in 1983, a hotbed of talent that also spawned iconic metal bands like Queensrÿche and Metal Church. Founded by high school friends Ted Pilot (vocals) and Ed Archer (guitar), the initial lineup expanded to include James Byrd (lead guitar), John Macko (bass), and Ken Mary (drums).
By the time Time Will Tell was recorded, Kendall Bechtel had stepped in as lead guitarist, replacing founding member James Byrd. The band signed with Epic Records for their second album, a move that placed them on a major label with significant industry backing.
Chart Performance
Despite being released on a major label, the album Time Will Tell faced an uphill battle. It was described as being "pretty much dead on arrival," a fate attributed in part to a perceived lack of support from Epic Records and internal band turmoil. Unlike their self-titled debut album, which charted at #117 on the Billboard Charts, Time Will Tell did not achieve significant chart success.
The changing musical landscape of the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the burgeoning grunge movement (ironically also from Seattle) beginning to overshadow traditional heavy metal, contributed to the album's struggle for widespread recognition.
Cultural Impact
The music video for "Time Will Tell" did receive rotation on MTV, offering the band exposure on the premier music video platform of the era. However, the band's momentum was ultimately curtailed by the seismic shift in the music industry. The rise of grunge in the early '90s rapidly altered mainstream tastes, leading to many melodic heavy metal bands, including Fifth Angel, disbanding.
The Time Will Tell album is often viewed by fans and critics as a "what could have been" moment in metal history, a testament to a talented band that struggled to break through despite quality material and major label support. Their story reflects the dramatic and often unforgiving changes that swept through the music industry at the turn of the decade.
Fun Facts
- In a rare move for a band signed to a major label, Fifth Angel never played live shows during their original run from 1983 to 1990. Their first live performance ever was at the Keep It True festival in Germany in 2010.
- The Time Will Tell album features a cover of U.F.O.'s classic track, "Lights Out."
- After the release of Time Will Tell, Fifth Angel wouldn't release another full-length studio album for 29 years, until 2018's The Third Secret.
- Original vocalist Ted Pilot pursued a career outside of music, becoming a practicing endodontist in Seattle.
- The official music video for "Time Will Tell" was uploaded to YouTube in 2010 and has since accumulated nearly 800,000 views as of 2025, demonstrating enduring fan interest.