Hate the Adversary kicked off the nights performances. They are a talented group of musicians originating from Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 2018. They have opened for many national acts previously such as Obituary, Agnostic Front, Leeway, Marauder, DRI, Possessed and this evening they had the honor of rocking out Empire Live for the first time for headliners Death Angel. They were amazing to start this show off. Their passion, dedication and original music traveled through the crowd and had them anticipating what was in store for the rest of the evening. The heaviness and enthusiasm while performing had an incredible energy to engage the crowd with.
The next band to take the stage and ignite the thrash fire for the evening was Misfire. They are an incredible group of musicians emerging from Chicago, Illinois and formed in 2018. They have also previously opened for many acts, such as another legendary Bay Area thrash metal band, Exodus. They have left quite the impression on Thrash Metal enthusiasts throughout the tour thus far. They are an insanely skilled group of musicians which have a groovy yet heavy thrash vibe to their music. Their sound is very eclectic and contributed to the positive frequencies throughout the night.
Lions at the Gate (featuring former members of Ill Nino and Machine Head) was next on stage with their heavy energy and powerful jams. They are an extremely brilliant, unique and original groove-heavy band. I am thankful that I was able to witness this band perform because I immediately fell in love with their music and their message. It is evident how much performing means to every member of this band, and I anticipate much success to them in the years to come. They are also going to release a new album next year via Reigning Phoenix Music, and I am excited to hear what they have in store.
Vio-lence was the penultimate band before the headliner consumed the emotions and energy for the remainder of the night. An intense band, and one of the first true Bay Area Thrash Metal bands, they have been on tour most of the last two years, celebrating several big album anniversaries of their own. Their performance was dynamic, powerful and filled with raw passion. They energized the audience and had them all moshing and belting their lyrics out in a genuine amped up fashion.
The much anticipated moment that the crowd eagerly awaited finally arrived when the Bay Areas iconic thrash masters Death Angel electrified the stage and had their pumped up fans in an aggressive harmonious metal trance. The band played all of their classic Act III album, one new song, and other hits.
Frontman Mark Oseguenda exerted his ethereal vocal range that harmonized perfectly with the heavy and intense riffs shredded by guitarists Rob Cavestany and Ted Aguliar. Bassist Damien Sission intricately delivered a thunderous and deep rhythm that transcended the rhythmic frequencies throughout the entire performance. Drummer Will Carroll executed impeccable timing and depth with his percussion skills, delivering each beat with flawless precision. It was an absolutely magical to be able to capture this performance and experience Death Angel live, fully present and engaged in celebrating their thrash history.
Death Angel will close 2025 with two hometown shows at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco!
Death Angel Setlist:
Seemingly Endless Time
Stop
Veil Of Deception
The Organization
Discontinued
A Room With A View
Stagnant
EX-TC
Disturbing The Peace
Falling Asleep
Humanicide
Cult Of The Used
The Moth
Lost
Territorial Instinct/Bloodlust
Thrown To The Wolves
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY RACHAEL SKINNER
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