Death Angel/Act III/1990

This album is criminally underrated.

The third record by California thrash band, Death Angel, is aptly titled Act III.  It is a stunning effort and represents tremendous growth for the band in every way — song writing, performance, lyrics, and musical diversity — from their previous two releases, 1988’s Frolic Through the Park and 1987’s The Ultra-Violence. Standout cuts like Why You Do This and Bored off of Frolic Through the Park hint at what was to come, but even the most enthusiastic Death Angel fan could not have anticipated the gigantic leap that is Act III. 

Act III opens with the sound of waves crashing on the beach before the band crashes into Seemingly Endless Time, its thrashing opening track. Like all of the tracks on Act III, Seemingly Endless Time doesn’t just thrash, it boasts a stellar vocal performance, well-crafted hooks, and memorable leads courtesy of guitarist Rob Cavestany. Simply put, he is one of the most underrated players in metal. Following Seemingly Endless Time is another Death Angel thrasher titled Stop. The band really shines on this song. The rhythms are barreling along at a million miles per hour but still effortlessly stop, start, and shift tempo. Mark Osegueda’s lead vocals are incredible and work particularly well during choruses when the band, who knows how to write a hook laden backing vocal, sings along. 

On the third track, Veil of Deception, Act III takes an unexpected turn. An acoustic number with incredible lead and backing vocals, Veil of Deception grabs you at the first listen. The guitar playing is tasteful and mature in execution. The vocal harmonies elevate the track and separate Death Angel from many of their harmonically challenged peers. Death Angel should also be applauded for having the guts to insert such a diverse track into Act III a mere nine minutes into the album. Typically, bands bury these kind of musical diversions deep within a records track list, almost as if they are embarrassed of their own experimentation.

The Organization and Discontinued follow and return Act III to its rightful, thrashy, disposition. Once again, catchy, gang-chant backing vocals make each song instantly memorable. The next track, A Room with a View, was a minor MTV hit and the band enjoyed frequent exposure on Headbanger’s Ball. A ballad that once again showcases the bands ability to pull off thoughtful, well-crafted songwriting, A Room with a View demonstrates musical maturity beyond their respective years. Once again Rob Cavestany’s lead guitar shines.

The second half of Act III is equally as strong as the first. Stagnant, X-TC, Disturbing the Peace, and album closer Falling Asleep all kill. Act III is strong from start to finish. There isn’t a bad cut on the album; in fact most are downright great. The album thrashes, but adeptly shifts gears. The album is diverse, but is never a challenge to the listener. When I listen to Act III, I am always amazed that the album didn’t propel Death Angel to superstardom. Two years later Metallica would become the first thrash band to break into the mainstream with the “Black” album. For my money, Death Angel beat them to the punch. 9.5/10