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DARK ANGEL
"Extinction Level Event" (Reversed
Records; 2025)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Dark Angel released their previous studio album, "Time Does Not Heal," in 1991 and, although there were a few reunion attempts and far too many deaths in the band (which, according to Wikipedia, left no original members), the band has finally released their new album, "Extinction Level Event."
Now I know, the first question anybody wants to ask about the new album is "How does it compare to the band's previous releases?" And, honestly, I can't tell you. It's been far too long since I listened to any Dark Angel, and so any comparison notes from me would be, at best, pure conjecture. So let's just focus on the new album.
"Extinction Level Event" is a rock-solid slab of heavy metal, combining elements of thrash and classic metal bands like Judas Priest. Every song here is fast and furious, driven by the jackhammering drums of the legendary Gene Hoglan, locomotive bass riffs and guitars that are tight and explosive. The entire album runs like a well-tuned rock'n'roll engine. There are no slow tracks here. There are slower tracks, such as "Sea of Heads," but there are more of the faster, thrashier tracks (like the fiery "Atavistic").
The album also features songwriting by the band's late guitarist, Jim Durkin, who died in 2023. According to Hoglan, this album is a tribute to Durkin.
Again, I apologize that I can't tell you how this album compares to the band's previous releases, but I can tell you that "Extinction Level Event" is a powerful and well-defined hunk of heavy metal and that I enjoyed it thoroughly. It certainly has reignited my interest in the band, and I will go back and explore those earlier recordings.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/darkangelthrashofficial/.
"Decade
of Chaos: The Best of Dark Angel" (Relativity; 1992)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Dark Angel had a brief heyday in the late '80s playing an intensified
version of thrash/speed metal that didn't get the respect that it deserved. Somehow Dark Angel got lost amidst the success of
Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax, and other thrash acts. But that doesn't mean
they didn't have an impact.
Three of the ten tracks on this 'best of' are taken from 1986's "Darkness Descends" - a certifiable
classic in the thrash/speed metal genre. "Darkness Descends," "Merciless
Death," and "Death Is Certain (Life Is Not)" are speed metal classics. The number of riffs this band managed
to squeeze into a single song is impressive; maybe not as many as "Arise"-era
Sepultura, but you get the picture. At times the vocals on this 'best of' disc are reminiscent of Nevermore,
which is pretty cool.
Generally speaking, the production on these tracks (save for the three songs from "Darkness Descends") were well below average even for the '80s. This detracts from the overall impact of this greatest hits package. As a consequence you are better off with "Darkness Descends" rather than this collection. However, if you yearn for the days of late '80s thrash then you should be happy to have this CD as part of your collection.
Dark Angel included at one time or another Ron Rinehart on vocals, Brett Ericksen on guitars, Eric Meyer on guitars, Mike Gonzalez on bass, Gene Hoglan on drums, Jim Durkin on guitars, Rob Yahn on bass, Don Doty on vocals, Jack Schwartz on drums.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/darkangelthrashofficial/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2025 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
