Angels of Vengeance: HM Magazine Veterans Doug Van Pelt and Lee Haley Release AI-Assisted Power Metal Project
New single “Kinsman Avenger” introduces The Warriors of Tehachapi, a ten-track concept album combining Middle Eastern instrumentation, heavy metal, and generative technology.
Two familiar names from the history of Christian heavy metal journalism have reunited for a new musical project that ventures into increasingly debated territory.
Doug Van Pelt, founder of Heaven’s Metal / HM Magazine and vocalist for Lust Control, has joined forces with former HM contributor and One Bad Pig guitarist Lee Haley to form Angels of Vengeance, an experimental power metal project combining original human songwriting and musical direction with AI-assisted production.
The duo released their debut single, “Kinsman Avenger,” on October 9, 2026, introducing listeners to their forthcoming ten-track album, The Warriors of Tehachapi, scheduled for release on October 30.
The project draws from traditional power metal, incorporating galloping rhythms, twin-guitar arrangements, and Middle Eastern musical influences. Instruments such as the oud and darbuka contribute to a sound that Van Pelt describes as a fusion of heavy metal and desert-inspired instrumentation, drawing comparisons to bands including Judas Priest, Sabaton, and Myrath.
Veteran Musicians Explore New Creative Technology
One of the more interesting aspects of Angels of Vengeance involves the duo's approach to generative music technology. Van Pelt and Haley openly acknowledge their use of Suno, incorporating the software into a creative process that begins with original musical ideas, guitar performances, and songwriting.
Van Pelt developed the songs' concepts and lyrics, while Haley contributed musical direction, guitar riffs, arrangements, audio editing, and video production. The production process involves using original instrumental performances as source material and directing the generative software to develop the compositions.
Haley recorded guitar ideas using instruments including his HILS NEXT HN3 electric guitar and Taylor 214 acoustic. He also used nylon-string acoustic guitar performances to guide some of the intricate oud-inspired passages.
The resulting recordings incorporate generative instrumentation and technology-enhanced vocals, with both musicians maintaining creative direction over the material.
Van Pelt acknowledges the controversy surrounding AI-generated music, describing the technology as something that naturally raises questions among musicians and listeners.
“I know, I know … that the use of AI in music is weird, wacky, and suspect,”
Van Pelt explains.
“I understand the misgivings we all have.”
The musicians have even playfully referred to Angels of Vengeance as a “fake metal band,” embracing the unusual nature of the experiment while emphasizing the human ideas and musical experience behind it.
Biblical Violence Meets Power Metal
Beyond the technology, The Warriors of Tehachapi explores stories and concepts drawn from the Old Testament, including some of its more violent historical and theological narratives.
The debut single, “Kinsman Avenger,” examines the ancient concept of the avenger of blood and the cities of refuge described in biblical law. The subject provides the foundation for a dramatic musical treatment that combines the themes of justice, vengeance, and sanctuary with elaborate metal arrangements.
For Van Pelt, the project also represents an opportunity to revisit the kind of music and storytelling that captured his imagination as a young metal fan.
The album's combination of biblical subject matter, aggressive instrumentation, and modern production technology places Angels of Vengeance at an interesting intersection of traditional heavy metal culture and emerging creative practices.
A New Chapter for Familiar Names
Van Pelt and Haley share a history stretching back to their work together at HM Magazine around the turn of the millennium. Their reunion brings together decades of experience in underground heavy music, journalism, and performance.
With “Kinsman Avenger” now available, Angels of Vengeance offers an early look at a project that openly embraces experimentation at a time when generative technology continues to generate considerable discussion throughout the music industry.
The Warriors of Tehachapi arrives October 30, 2026, with CD and vinyl options available through ElasticStage.
The blistering debut track is available for streaming starting today. Listen to "Kinsman Avenger" here.
For additional information, visit angelsofvengeance.com.
