Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Death Angel!

Top Death Angel Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content
Loading....

Band Timeline

1982

Formation of Death Angel in the San Francisco Bay Area

Death Angel was formed in 1982 by cousins Rob Cavestany (lead guitar), Dennis Pepa (vocals and bass), Gus Pepa (rhythm guitar), and Andy Galeon (drums), all of Filipino descent. The band name was inspired by a book they came across. Initially, their style was more traditional heavy metal before embracing thrash metal, influenced by the emerging Bay Area thrash scene. Mark Osegueda joined as lead vocalist in 1984, transitioning the band towards thrash metal and expanding their influence locally and beyond.
1987

Release of debut album The Ultra-Violence

Death Angel released their first studio album, The Ultra-Violence, in 1987. Remarkably, the band members were all teenagers, with drummer Andy Galeon just 14 years old. The album was celebrated as a thrash metal classic and established the band as prominent figures in the Bay Area thrash scene. It showcased their aggressive style, technical ability, and youthful energy, earning them significant underground acclaim that helped build a dedicated fan base and solidify their reputation.
1988

Release of second album Frolic Through the Park

In 1988, Death Angel released their second album, Frolic Through the Park, which marked a stylistic shift with more experimental and diverse influences such as funk, hardcore punk, and progressive elements. Though regarded as one of their darker and more complex works, band members have expressed mixed feelings about the album's production. Despite this, the album became a fan favorite, particularly with the song "Bored" receiving MTV Headbangers Ball exposure, increasing their visibility in the metal community.
1990

Release of Act III and signing with Geffen Records

Death Angel signed with major label Geffen Records in 1989 and released Act III in 1990. Co-produced by Max Norman, the album is considered by many fans and critics as the band's finest work, blending thrash with elements of funk, folk, and progressive metal. The album achieved moderate European chart success and featured popular singles with video rotation on MTV's Headbangers Ball. This period marked the band's peak in experimentation and exposure before a tragic accident interrupted their momentum.
1991

Bus accident and band breakup

While touring to support Act III, drummer Andy Galeon was seriously injured in a bus accident, causing him to take over a year to recover. This incident led to the band's dissolution in 1991. The breakup put an end to nearly a decade of significant influence in the thrash metal scene. Despite their hiatus, Death Angel's early albums continued to be revered by the metal community, preserving their legacy as pioneers of the Bay Area thrash movement.
2001

Reformation of Death Angel and return to live performances

Death Angel reformed in 2001, debuting at the Thrash of the Titans benefit concert for Testament's Chuck Billy. The reunion did not include original rhythm guitarist Gus Pepa. This comeback signaled a resurgence in their career, reconnecting with longtime fans and introducing their music to a new generation. Since reuniting, the band has been active, releasing several albums and touring extensively while maintaining their thrash metal roots and evolving their sound.
2019

Release of Humanicide and Grammy nomination

Death Angel released their ninth studio album, Humanicide, in May 2019. Produced by Jason Suecof, Humanicide was notable for featuring the same lineup for their fourth consecutive album, reflecting stability and cohesion. The album's title track earned the band their first Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance later that year, marking a significant milestone and recognition of their enduring influence and vitality in the metal genre after decades of activity.
Sponsor content
Loading....

Story of Death Angel

Death Angel, the seminal thrash metal band from Daly City, California, exploded onto the scene in 1982, leaving an undeniable mark on the Bay Area and beyond. Initially active until 1991, their legendary status solidified through a relentless touring schedule and a string of critically acclaimed albums. Their discography boasts nine studio albums, two demos, a box set, and three live albums – a testament to their enduring legacy.

While the lineup has seen significant changes over the decades, guitarist Rob Cavestany remains the sole constant member. He and vocalist Mark Osegueda (who joined in 1984) are the only members to appear on every studio album, forming the core of Death Angel`s signature sound.

In the 1980s, Death Angel reigned supreme as a Bay Area thrash titan, sharing stages with heavyweights like Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, Testament, Overkill, D.R.I., Mercyful Fate, and Possessed. Their impact is undeniable; often cited as a leader of the second wave of thrash, they’re considered part of the genre`s "Big Eight" (alongside Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Exodus, and Overkill) and the "Big Six" of Bay Area thrash (with Exodus, Testament, Lȧȧz Rockit, Forbidden, and Vio-lence).

Following the underground success of The Ultra-Violence (1987) and Frolic Through the Park (1988), Death Angel signed to Geffen Records in 1989, releasing Act III the following year. Tragedy struck during the Act III tour when drummer Andy Galeon was severely injured in a bus accident, leading to the band`s initial disbandment in 1991.

Death Angel triumphantly returned in 2001 (minus original rhythm guitarist Gus Pepa) at the "Thrash of the Titans" benefit concert for Testaments Chuck Billy. Since then, they’ve released six more albums, including 2019s Humanicide, which earned them a Grammy nomination. With a tenth studio album tentatively slated for 2025, Death Angel continues to prove their enduring power and influence on the thrash metal landscape.

Sponsor content
Loading....

Bands you may like

More Thrash Metal Bands

Explore Thrash Metal

Discover more bands in the Thrash Metal genre and explore the diverse sounds that define this musical style.

Browse All Thrash Metal Bands

More Bands from United States

Explore United States

Discover the rich musical heritage of United States and explore bands that represent the country's unique sound and culture.

Browse All United States Bands