DEATH ANGEL - The Art of Dying
1. Thrown To The Wolves
2. 5 Steps Of Freedom
3. Thicker Than Blood
4. The Devil Incarnate
5. Famine
6. Prophecy
7. No
8. Spirit
9. Land Of Blood
10. Never Me
11. Word To The Wise
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Release date: 2004
Artist site: http://www.deathangel.com/
GRADE:
9.5/10
So, here it is, what could quite possibly be called the comeback album of the year, The Art Of Dying, by Bay Area legends DEATH ANGEL. It's been over a decade since their last release, Act III, saw the light of day on Geffen Records. That album was way ahead of its time, and a major label like Geffen really had no idea what to do with the masterpiece that they had on their hands. Shortly after, a touring accident that scarred drummer Andy Galeon and vocalist Mark Osegueda's departure from the band resulted in the group changing their name to THE ORGANIZATION, a track from the Act III album. They released two albums on Metal Blade to critical acclaim, yet the fans wanted DEATH ANGEL. So, now many years later, brought together by a then ailing Chuck Billy, the band has decided to stay together and give us The Art Of Dying, 11 new songs that showcase where the band is now and perhaps a glimpse of where they are headed in the future.
Like their previous albums, the direction is all over the place, something that some fans, like myself, enjoyed, while others cited this as a detriment. From thrash heavy numbers like album opener "Thrown To The Wolves," to groove oriented songs like "5 Steps Of Freedom," "Famine," or the acoustics of "Word To The Wise," DEATH ANGEL make sure to give something to every fan. If the band stays together and keeps making albums like this, I see only great things on the horizon.
Personal faves include "Thrown To The Wolves," "5 Steps Of Freedom," "The Devil Incarnate" (I love the snake-like groove of this one) and "Prophecy." The latter track is vintage D.A., so thrashheads rejoice! Mention must be made that The Art Of Dying features the best production on a DEATH ANGEL cd to this point, courtesy of Brian Joseph Dobbs and the band themselves. Gotta say, it's gonna be a tough call at the end of the year, but I guarantee this one's gonna be near the top of a lot of people's lists.
PJ
1. Thrown To The Wolves
2. 5 Steps Of Freedom
3. Thicker Than Blood
4. The Devil Incarnate
5. Famine
6. Prophecy
7. No
8. Spirit
9. Land Of Blood
10. Never Me
11. Word To The Wise
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Release date: 2004
Artist site: http://www.deathangel.com/
GRADE:
9.5/10
So, here it is, what could quite possibly be called the comeback album of the year, The Art Of Dying, by Bay Area legends DEATH ANGEL. It's been over a decade since their last release, Act III, saw the light of day on Geffen Records. That album was way ahead of its time, and a major label like Geffen really had no idea what to do with the masterpiece that they had on their hands. Shortly after, a touring accident that scarred drummer Andy Galeon and vocalist Mark Osegueda's departure from the band resulted in the group changing their name to THE ORGANIZATION, a track from the Act III album. They released two albums on Metal Blade to critical acclaim, yet the fans wanted DEATH ANGEL. So, now many years later, brought together by a then ailing Chuck Billy, the band has decided to stay together and give us The Art Of Dying, 11 new songs that showcase where the band is now and perhaps a glimpse of where they are headed in the future.
Like their previous albums, the direction is all over the place, something that some fans, like myself, enjoyed, while others cited this as a detriment. From thrash heavy numbers like album opener "Thrown To The Wolves," to groove oriented songs like "5 Steps Of Freedom," "Famine," or the acoustics of "Word To The Wise," DEATH ANGEL make sure to give something to every fan. If the band stays together and keeps making albums like this, I see only great things on the horizon.
Personal faves include "Thrown To The Wolves," "5 Steps Of Freedom," "The Devil Incarnate" (I love the snake-like groove of this one) and "Prophecy." The latter track is vintage D.A., so thrashheads rejoice! Mention must be made that The Art Of Dying features the best production on a DEATH ANGEL cd to this point, courtesy of Brian Joseph Dobbs and the band themselves. Gotta say, it's gonna be a tough call at the end of the year, but I guarantee this one's gonna be near the top of a lot of people's lists.
PJ
