Death Angel - Relentless Retribution (2010)

I understand that many '80s/'90s thrash acts who are still going, or returning to the fray, have to adapt if they are to draw the crowds. Nowadays it's all about bone-shuddering riffs, greater dynamics, multi layered digi-pack cd's, lush production etc. For me though, despite the quality thrash being served up by the old guard, Death Angel have never had to run with the times because they've ALWAYS been ahead of the times. The band's first three albums are thrash classics, raw and yet progressive, mature and also ferocious in their speed and also their diversity. 'Relentless...', the bands recent thrash attack is a hefty slab (cool cover guys) which contains some great melodies ('Truce') and a new, beefed up thrash architecture. My biggest concern is that this new thrash wave is affecting the sound of some of the acts we know and love, turning them into destructive juggernaut's without an identity, but then again, some would argue that modern day Overkill or Exodus is a far greater force than back in their heyday. Death Angel manage to keep a foot in either era, the guitar attack of Cavestany and Aguilar is as potent as one would expect and Osegueda remains distinctive as he always has despite some extra gravel in that tone. What I want from Death Angel though is that soul which came from 'Frolic...' and layered 'Act III', and thankfully, amidst the thrash assaults, we do get that here. 'Volcanic' is a sensational track, sweeping, emotive, and yet the band can effortlessly alter, 'This Hate' is a three-and-a-half minute barrage of speed. 'Opponents..' is addictive, the track sliding into a chorus that has hooks embedded in your brain and reminds me of C.O.C. mixed with decent Metallica. It's no wonder that DA are such a cult and quality act. I believe that over the years they've had it hard...too hard, they've suffered tragedy and they should have been huge, because even as teenagers their brand of thrash catapulted them to the dizzy heights of the major thrash league, not many bands could compete. It appears that even today DA stand alone, and yet with superb recent albums from Forbidden, Exodus, Overkill etc, 'Relentless...' is the best of the bunch.

8.5/10