Death Angel

Death-Angel-Toronto-11

Death Angel is an American thrash metal band from Daly City, California, initially active from 1982 to 1991 and again from 2001 onwards. The band was one of the key contributors to the Bay Area thrash metal scene in the 1980s and is considered part of the "second wave" of thrash metal, along with other bands like Testament, Forbidden, and Vio-lence. Death Angel's early music is known for its aggressive speed and technical precision, making them stand out in the thrash metal genre.

History

Formation and Early Years (1982–1986)

Death Angel was formed in 1982 by cousins Rob Cavestany (lead guitar), Dennis Pepa (bass), Gus Pepa (rhythm guitar), and Andy Galeon (drums), with Mark Osegueda joining as the lead vocalist in 1984. The band quickly gained a reputation in the Bay Area thrash scene for their energetic live performances and youthful vigor, with most members being teenagers at the time of their first album.

The Ultra-Violence and Frolic Through the Park (1987–1989)

In 1987, Death Angel released their debut album, The Ultra-Violence, which was well received for its technical musicianship and complex song structures. The album is considered a classic in the thrash metal genre. Following the success of their debut, the band released Frolic Through the Park in 1988, which showcased a more diverse sound, incorporating elements of funk and punk into their thrash metal roots.

Act III and Hiatus (1990–2001)

The release of Act III in 1990 saw Death Angel achieving greater commercial success, with the album featuring a more polished production and accessible songwriting. However, a serious tour bus accident later that year led to long-term injuries for drummer Andy Galeon and a hiatus for the band. During this period, members pursued other musical projects, with Rob Cavestany and Mark Osegueda forming The Organization.

Reformation and Later Years (2001–Present)

Death Angel reformed in 2001 for a benefit concert and decided to continue making music together. Since then, the band has released several albums, including The Art of Dying (2004), Relentless Retribution (2010), and The Evil Divide (2016), each further cementing their legacy in the thrash metal scene. Their latest album, Humanicide, was released in 2019 to critical acclaim.

Musical Style and Influence

Death Angel's music is characterized by its fast tempos, intricate guitar work, and aggressive vocals. The band's early work is noted for its influence from traditional heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, while their later work incorporates more melodic elements. Death Angel has been influential in the development of thrash metal and has inspired numerous bands in the genre.

Band Members

• Mark Osegueda – lead vocals
• Rob Cavestany – lead guitar, backing vocals
• Ted Aguilar – rhythm guitar (since 2001)
• Damien Sisson – bass (since 2009)
• Will Carroll – drums (since 2009)

Discography

Studio Albums

• The Ultra-Violence (1987)
• Frolic Through the Park (1988)
• Act III (1990)
• The Art of Dying (2004)
• Killing Season (2008)
• Relentless Retribution (2010)
• The Dream Calls for Blood (2013)
• The Evil Divide (2016)
• Humanicide (2019)

Legacy

Death Angel is regarded as one of the pioneering bands of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. Their commitment to evolving their sound while staying true to their thrash metal roots has earned them a dedicated fan base and respect within the metal community. The band's influence extends beyond their music, contributing to the development and popularity of thrash metal worldwide.