DEATH ANGEL "Humanicide"

DEATH ANGEL

“Humanicide”

It’s been many a year since the teenage prodigies of DEATH ANGEL tore up the thrash scene circa 1987 (the best year for metal ever?). Like many fans, I will always have a special place in my heart for their debut “The Ultra Violence”, but in recent years, they’ve put out some admirable material, particularly “Relentless Retribution”. They’ve also been working very consistently since their “comeback” of a few years ago.

“Humanicide” is one of the better albums they’ve done since then, second only to “Relentless Retribution”. The thrash elements are strongly emphasized here and in fact, it is the simpler, more straightforward numbers like “I Came For Blood”, “Alive And Screaming” and “Ghost of Me” that deliver the most (head)bang for the buck. The first named song is built on a remarkably catchy speed riff that combines with Mark Osegueda’s smooth yet violent vocals to create a bit of a gem. “Alive And Screaming” has a good dose of that Bay Area sound to it, too.

The remainder is kind of variable.  “Revelation Song” is more of a straight metal song with real cool melody and catchiness to it. “Agressor” and “Immortal Behated” seem to hearken back to the more experimental DEATH ANGEL. The first is kind of progressive, the second is not quite a ballad but pretty melodic, even featuring piano. I wouldn’t say either of them are “instant” songs or what you would call headbangers.  The album’s other tracks like “The Pack” are pretty typical of the latter day DEATH ANGEL and if you are hoping for the band to go back to something like “Voracious Souls”, you can keep on hoping.

Old backpatchers will bitch about a modern production, but it’s the songs that make a record and “Humanicide” has got some good ones. They keep things flowing well!

NUCLEAR BLAST

DEATH ANGEL