DEATH ANGEL - The Evil Divide
June 10, 2016, 8 years ago
(Nuclear Blast)
In the last dozen years, has there been an original era thrash band that's delivered a greater number of more consistent studio output (albeit, unfortunately under the public's radar) and killer live shows than Death Angel? I say no! Although a few years younger than other Bay Area bands, when they started, today DA frontman Mark Osegueda travels greater distance onstage and throws himself into more strained contortions than all the current Big 4 performers combined. Will prove the same when they tour North America with Slayer and Anthrax this fall.
Their latest, The Evil Divide is another vitriolic slab, enumerating ten tracks (bonus “Wasteland” available on some versions) of varying takes on the thrash model. Musically, a combination of the debut and Act III, rather than the disjointed rhythms of Frolic Through The Park. “Lost” is a surprisingly melodic spin on the genre, Osegueda clear enunciation of guitarist Rob Cavestany's lyrics about pain and betrayal. Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser makes a diving whammy bar appearance on “Hatred United/United Hate”. “Father Of Lies” a call for self-reliance and positive inner strength, cops a bit staccato 'Thrax punkiness, apart from chill solo and concluding acoustic guitar outro. One of the disc's best moments, overall. “Breakaway” sees drum and guitar volleys traded at sonic speed, but “The Electric Cell” ups the ante even more. Highly recommended!
