Death Angel is a band whose history may begin in the 80’s, its discographic presence though is limited to only 5 full studio LPs. Nevertheless, the quality of their five records balances their small productivity and confirms the influence of the group in thrash metal and not only.

I consider Death Angel something more than a thrash metal band, as throughout their entire discography they flirt intensively with other metal and non metal idioms, always under a thrash spectrum and capable to bring together all metal fans despite their idiom of preference.

The band members were drawn apart in the early 90’s, reunited in 2001 and in 2004 released “The Art of Dying” declaring their return in the thrash neighbourhood. But with this year’s “Killing Season” the band’s return is finally complete.

“Killing Season” is a fresh and dynamic thrash album comprised of 11 songs manifesting the quality of this band as well as their mood in refreshing their sound. Sharp riffs, nice stops, groovy rhythms, technical scores and aggressiveness combined with melodic lapses are the elements met by the listener of this work. The initial triad of the dynamites “Lord of Hate”, “Sonic Beatdown” and “Dethroned” is the best entrance in the thrash universe of Death Angel. With no song falling behind I would have to say that these that stand out in particular, except to those previously mentioned, are “Buried Alive” and “Soulless” with their nailing down mid-tempo and catchy refrains, as well as the last almost 7minute epic “Resurrection Machine” combining classical guitars with heavy riffing. “When Worlds Collide” and ”God vs. God” are interesting musical experimentations of more contemporary versions of heavy music.

The production of Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Velvet Revolver, Foo Fighters, Stone Sour and others) is assisting to the success of this year’s venture by Death Angel as it guarantees for a tight and modern sound without being too polished thus allowing, the emergence of the roughness and “dirtiness” of the Death Angel thrash sound.

In brief, “Killing Season” is a refreshing breath for thrash metal and can easily be accepted by a broader metal audience which is fond of smart riffs and can consume successful combinations of old and new metal schools.

By “Killing Season” the Angels of thrash invite you to their exciting deadly thrust. Will you resist the temptation?