Killing Season

Locomotive

Seasoned bay area thrashers Death Angel have brought forth what may be one of the best albums of their illustrious career. Sure to be a favorite among fans this new effort is exactly what we all hoped it would be, classic bay area thrash done in a manner that only Death Angel could achieve. The album is already being addressed as the bands true return to form. Following the bands warm up effort which came by way of 2004’s The Art Of Dying, this latest rendering dubbed Killing Season is much more up to the standards that a Death Angel fan might expect.

As the current resurgence of thrash continues to make its way throughout the Metal underground it is very exciting to see a pioneering band such as Death Angel back in the game to show all the youngsters how it is done. Not to say that youth isn’t king, being that the Death Angel guys were teenagers themselves when they first debuted on the scene but much of today’s youth have been tainted due to inferior forms of Metal dominating the market throughout the last decade. However with the release of Killing Time, I’m sure that the tides are gonna turn in our favor. “Lord Of Hate” is the blistering cut that opens this monumental accomplishment. After a brief and clean intro the first evidence to affirm the bands triumphant re-emerging is recognized in the crisp and precision driven riffing supplied by guitarist Rob Cavestany. Following the dynamic first impression, the CD only continues to get better. “Buried Alive” is sure to be a true fan favorite as is “Soulless” both of which are of ultra headbanging quality. I really respect the bands way of putting their ideologies and internal beliefs in a perspective that is not pushy but still gets the message across nevertheless. Emotionally charged tunes such as “When World’s Collide” and “God vs. God” are well within the band’s ability to thoroughly convey their disdain for tragedy on both a personal and global level.

It’ll be very interesting to see what impact Killing Machine will have on the current state of Metal, being that in its entirety it is an outstanding piece of work and comes across as one of the stronger albums I’ve recently heard in contrast to many of the bands more unlikely peers. Again, this is how it is done plain and simple, so pay attention!

-Priest