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The Ultra-Violence (1987)
Recorded in 1986 and released the following year, The Ultra-Violence is the debut L.P. from Death Angel. This record is just a total onslaught of killer riffs and blistering solos. I first discovered the band from the Thrash Metal compilation from Priority Records, via the song "Mistress of Pain". Soon after, I picked up the full album. It took some time to get into, as the vocals, somewhat reminiscent of Joey Belladonna, didn't quite fit the much more intense music. Based on the absolutely vicious thrash metal on this album, my natural expectation was that the vocals would have been more in line with albums like Darkness Descends or Schizophrenia. That said, those blood-curdling screams of his definitely suit the material.
The guitar work is tight and fast, and there’s real technical skill throughout. You can hear influence from early Metallica and Megadeth in some of the riffs, but it doesn’t come off as derivative. The whole record is filled with shredding riffs, suited by a mix that is a bit raw compared to a lot of their peers. Not only are the riffs aggressive and lethal, but these guys were still just teenagers when they recorded this, and they were clearly very skilled musicians. I've heard complaints about the length of the title track, but I think it's a great instrumental that has a bit of an epic feeling compared to the rest.
The Ultra-Violence is by far Death Angel’s best album. They changed their style not long after, but this remains an essential, relentless '80s thrash record that is highly recommended. Highlights include "Evil Priest" and "Mistress of Pain".
The guitar work is tight and fast, and there’s real technical skill throughout. You can hear influence from early Metallica and Megadeth in some of the riffs, but it doesn’t come off as derivative. The whole record is filled with shredding riffs, suited by a mix that is a bit raw compared to a lot of their peers. Not only are the riffs aggressive and lethal, but these guys were still just teenagers when they recorded this, and they were clearly very skilled musicians. I've heard complaints about the length of the title track, but I think it's a great instrumental that has a bit of an epic feeling compared to the rest.
The Ultra-Violence is by far Death Angel’s best album. They changed their style not long after, but this remains an essential, relentless '80s thrash record that is highly recommended. Highlights include "Evil Priest" and "Mistress of Pain".
(5 June 2025)
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