DEATH ANGEL — The Ultra-Violence (review)

DEATH ANGEL — The Ultra-Violence album cover Album · 1987 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"The Ultra-Violence" is the debut full-length studio album by US, California based thrash metal act Death Angel. The album was released through Enigma Records in April 1987 (it was already recorded in June 1986). Death Angel was formed in 1982 by cousins Rob Cavestany (guitars), Dennis Pepa (bass), and Andy Galeon (drums). The band members were all very young at the time of forming the band. Especially Galeon must take the prize for being one of the youngest members of a metal band in those days, as he was only 10 years old in 1982. The three-piece were joined by guitarist Gus Pepa and lead vocalist Mark Osegueda to form the lineup who recorded "The Ultra-Violence" (a lineup where the average age of the members was under 20). All members of the band were related by blood, either being cousins, brothers, or second cousins.

So although "The Ultra-Violence" wasn´t released until 1987, Death Angel were an important part of the influential San Francisco thrash metal scene from early on, along with contemporary artists like Exodus and Metallica. Stylistically the material on the 8 track, 45:25 minutes long album also sound similar to other early releases of the genre. Considering the album was released in 1987, it actually sounds a bit dated featuring quite a few speed/traditional heavy metal elements. A feature which wasn´t unusual on 1983-85 releases by contemporary artists, but in 1987 most of those artists had moved on to a more "pure" thrash metal sound.

Considering the young age of the band members, they are all well playing, and lead vocalist Mark Osegueda has a strong voice and a commanding delivery. He is quite a skilled singer, both able to deliver raw vocals and more melodic singing. "The Ultra-Violence" features a raw and unpolished sound production, which like the music also sounds a bit dated compared to 1987 releases by other contemporary artists. The material is well written and effective though and fans of the early- to mid 80s speed/thrash metal releases by artists like Anthrax, Overkill, and Metallica, should find quite a lot to enjoy here. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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