Death Angel – The Enigma Years

Death Angel

‘The Enigma Years (1987-1990)’

Cherry Red Recordings

Thrash Metal

FFO: Testament, Exodus, Overkill, Forbidden, Heathen, Flotsam & Jetsam

What can be said about Death Angel that hasn’t already been recorded? The Bay Area thrashers have always released consistently good metal that never received the mainstream appreciation of their peers. However, for those in the know, Death Angel are a cornerstone of the movement and this year has those early years wrapped up nicely in a new boxed set entitled ‘The Enigma Years (1987-1990)’.

                It doesn’t take rocket appliances to know what this new boxed set offers, it does exactly what it says on the tin; this collection includes ‘The Ultra-Violence’ and ‘Frolic Through the Park’ complete with bonus tracks as well as the live offering ‘Fall From Grace’ and a collection of rarities from the this era. Any thrasher worth their salt would find it impossible to turn their nose up at Death Angel’s debut and sophomore album; yet, we all know that these albums will already be owned, so the focus of this boxed set is whether it’s worth it for the live album ‘Fall From Grace’ and the ‘Rarities’ odds and sods. Now, there is actually nothing here that hasn’t already been released in some way shape or form over the last 30 years and ultimately, a live and rarities only really has the appeal to those real hardcore Death Angel fans rather than those with a passing interest.

                However, for those yet to enhance their collections with the first two Death Angel albums ‘The Enigma Years’ presents them with the perfect chance and the addition of two extra albums which capture the band at their most raw is certainly an enticing bonus.

Adam McCann