The Art of Dying

The Art of Dying is Death Angel's comeback album, on which they regained sharp thrash and complex developments to open a new chapter. It is their fourth album, released on Nuclear Blast a full 14 years after the previous Act III, following an early-1990s bus accident, breakup and 2001 reunion. Ted Aguilar joined on guitar in place of Gus Pepa, and they took it on with a new lineup centered on Rob Cavestany and Mark Osegueda. During the hiatus, Osegueda was known to have auditioned as vocalist for Anthrax, while the remaining members worked in projects such as The Organization. The opener "Thrown to the Wolves," full of drive, is a signature song showing the essence of Bay Area thrash. From the Black Sabbath-evoking "The Devil Incarnate" to the racing "Thicker Than Blood," mature songs line up. A powerful fresh start where sharpness that betrays no hiatus coexists with the dynamism of old. The album was highly praised worldwide, marking Death Angel's full-fledged return.