The Bay Area boys mature even further, 'Act III' being their defining article, a more stream-lined refreshed and often groove based thrasher not quite as aggressive as the first two records, but opening itself up to consume all manner of styles, from classic metal to even funky swayings. Some brave experimentation here, particularly on the acoustic flow of 'A Room With A View', 'Act III' finds a soul amongst the rubble, clipping away the raw edge, possibly losing a few thrasher fans along the way, but certainly gaining respect among the metal community meaning that the band can stand proud alongside the big boys. There's some intricate thrash on here, the band having always been an accomplished combo, Osegueda's vocals not quite as manic either, bringing a fresher perspective on things. 'Seemingly Endless Time' is a pacey opener, but the band offer more respite in the tracks now, making way for sweet time changes, mellower interludes and slower intricacies, hence the balladic 'Veil Of Deception', and the more groove based 'Discontinued' which upset alot of hardcore fans with its funk flavour. I've also found on the net that many fans were discouraged by the band's second ballad, 'A Room...', but Death Angel simply wanted to prove that their progression beyond the realms of straight forward thrash, and 'Act III' goes a long way of showing the world that thrash metal was alot more than just Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer and Metallica.
8.5/10
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