This New Death Angel Song “The Moth” Riiiiiiips!

“Man, that new Death Angel song sucks,” is not a phrase I’ve ever heard anyone utter. I haven’t heard anyone say “Meh, it’s alright,” either. That’s because the Bay Area natives have been kicking out quality thrash with superlative consistency for their entire career; it goes hard, it never retreads old ground and it constantly pushes forward, even though it’s confined to the trash shell. I’d argue that Death Angel and Testament are the two “classic” thrash bands currently making the best music. Maybe it’s the hunger of constantly having to play 5th (or 6th) fiddle to The Big Four that drives them.

Jason Suecof recorded and produced both Relentless Retribution (2010) and The Dream Calls for Blood (2013), so why fix what ain’t broken? Death Angel went back to Audiohammer Studios to record their eighth studio album, The Evil Divide, and if the first track they’ve released is any indication, the album’s gonna rip just as hard as the previous two. Rob Cavestany and Ted Aguilar’s riffs are all aces, and Will Carroll and Damien Sisson keep the rhythm section sounding thunderous. But what really stands out to me about “The Moth” is Mark Osegueda’s vocal performance; he’s such a talented, dynamic vocalist, and the variety and power he brings to the track really propel it forward.

The Evil Divide comes out on May 27 via Nuclear Blast Records.