by Mark Kadzielawa

Death Angel are one of the survivors of the 80s thrash boom. The band exploded back in 1987 with its "The Ultra-Violence" release. A true to the core melodic thrash album, with some unusual dynamics, and time signatures. Then it was "Frolic Through The Park," an album showing a band taking big steps forward and incorporating a wide range of influences. It all culminated on "Act III," which perhaps is the most diverse release of the entire thrash genre. With such hot records under their belts, Death Angel was destined for greatness. However, it was not to be. Death Angel was involved in a horrible tour bus accident. The band disbanded shortly after leaving behind a lot of great music. Many of its members pursuing other musical projects. Throughout the first phase of Death Angel, the line up remained unchanged. It consisted of Rob Cavestany on guitar and vocals, Mark Osegueda on lead vocals, Gus Pepa on guitar, Dennis Pepa on bass, and Andy Galeon on drums.
Death Angel officially reunited in August 2001 for Thrash of the Titans, a cancer benefit show for Testament singer Chuck Billy. Ted Aguilar (guitar) was the only new face in the band, replacing Gus Pepa who was out of the country. It was supposed to be one off show, but the great response of the fans persuaded Death Angel to become an active band once again. Since then, Death Angel completed several tours, and released two records, "The Art Of Dying, and "Killing Season." Both albums still sporting the trademark melodic songwriting, and the incredible musicianship the band was always known for. The buzz about Death Angel is back, and the band is still a great live attraction.
In recent years two more changes took place in Death Angel. Bassist, Dennis Pepa, and drummer, Andy Galeon, left the band. Death Angel decided to carry on, and brought in Will Carroll on drums, and Damien Sisson on bass. With the line-up re-assembled and refreshed, Death Angel completed its latest opus, "Relentless Retribution." The new album is a strong addition to an already impressive catalog of records. It shows the band progressing, adding new influences, yet still being Death Angel.

Guitarist, Ted Aguilar, reflects on his time in Death Angel, talks about the recent changes, and plugs in the new record. Ted, you’ve been with the band for three records now. How would you say your role had changed from being only the guitar player?
Ted Aguilar: I think it’s still kind of the same. At the end of the day it’s still the same. Rob (Cavestany) is still the chief songwriter, and Mark (Osegueda) is still the chief lyricist. I do help out in the way of little arrangements here and there. Also, I help out a little on the business level. Other than that my role in the band is still the same.
When I spoke to Mark two years ago he mentioned that even though you’re new in the band, you are not new to the band, you were involved in the behind the scenes.
I followed Death Angel even before “Ultra-Violence.” I was into the band from pre “Ultra-Violence” until they broke up. I’ve seen just about every San Francisco show they played, and been a fan ever since. It’s an amazing band. And after they broke up, I followed the bands that formed from the ashes of Death Angel. There was Organization with all instrumental members of DA, and Mark had a band called Silver Circus, and I saw couple of shows. And when those bands broke up, I followed the other projects.
Death Angel always appeared as a very tight unit, so to see the rhythm section go one by one was a big surprise. What’s the story?
Everyone’s got families, kids, mortgages, and other things. From my perspective, they weren’t into it no more. I don’t know the real reasons for their departure, but from the vibe I observed they just weren’t into it no more. The only way you’re going to know is if you ask those two guys. Me, Mark, and Rob, sat down and talked about it, and we decided to keep going. We put too much time into it, and we love to do this band. You just have to keep going. It’s unfortunate the two original members leave, but that’s life. People lives go in different direction. Me, Mark, and Rob decided to stick with the band, and the other guys wanted to do other things.

Do you know if Dennis and Andy are involved in something musically?
That, I don’t know. I hope they are because they are great musicians. Last I’ve heard they had little projects going. I haven’t spoken to either one of them since they left the band.
Keeping in mind how many years Andy and Dennis spent in the band, I’m sure you were looking for a certain vibe. How did you go about finding the replacement?
Yes, we definitely were trying to look for the right vibe. The two new members were in the neighborhood, just like I was. They were in the thrash scene for a long time. Will (Carroll), our drummer was someone I grew up with. We were there at the early Death Angel shows. We saw everything from “Ultra-Violence” up to “Act III.” He’s a big fan of Death Angel, and he is a thrash drummer. He’s played in Vicious Rumors, he filled in Machine Head for one tour. We knew he was the guy to do it. When Will came up to jam with us, he knew 90% of the songs. Andy was a great drummer, but Will is different, he is more of a thrashy drummer, he loves to play in this style. And you’ll certainly hear him doing it on the new album. Damien is another veteran of the Bay Area thrash scene. He is a phenomenal player. And when he stepped in, again he knew most of the material. It was a natural fit, plus the vibe is good. We get along, and he just happened to be available.
How does Damien’s Rickenbacker sound fit with Death Angel?
He has more of a dirty tone, a little overdriven tone. His playing and his tone has a very thrashy edge instead of just real rock bass sound.
What was it like to write a new album with two new members in the band?
It was refreshing actually. I mean I was there for the "The Art Of Dying, and " Killing Season", and usually Rob and Andy would write the music, and had their say in. I was just there checking it out, and getting the vibe off it. In this sense it was kind of good. The last two records were written by Rob and Andy along with Mark and Dennis, so there was some collaboration on there, and you can hear it. Which was great. On this record, it was more focused in a sense that Rob wrote everything. Rob was just on a roll on writing these intense and killer thrash riffs, and we just went along with it. Writing of this album flowed a lot better because every time Rob brought a song in, we just jammed it. We were able to go in a more thrashier direction. We've enjoyed Rob's writing, and everyone was excited about it.
Do you think "Relentless Retribution" will be the new definite Death Angel album, the way "Act III" defined the band back in 1990?
Wow, that's a great question. I think so. We're proud of this album. I would say it is kind of like "Act III," but more thrash. There are plenty of thrash riffs. The harmonies are still there, there is one acoustic song. I can definitely see "Relentless Retribution" being "Act III" for this era of Death Angel.
In your opinion, what are the key tracks from "Relentless Retribution" that are going to make a difference in your live set?
That's a good one. I've been listening to the album a lot lately. I think the first track "Relentless Revolution" will be that song. Now the album is called "Relentless Retribution," but the first track has a slightly different title. That's my favorite track from the record, and it's the opening song. I think it showcases everything this band is about. The song is so well written, and it just shows everything, the new members, the old members, the new influences, and the classic Death Angel style. There are other tracks, a song called "Truce" is a real good one. I think basically the whole album from start to finish is really just great.

I noticed some of the songs have great guitar harmonies, it brings that cool Thin Lizzy vibe into the music, and it's something I haven't heard Death Angel do yet.
Yeah, yeah (gets excited.) When Rob was writing the music we were thinking we wanted to keep it as Death Angel, but we wanted to tap into some other influences like Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. All of the old influences. So we threw those guitar harmonies in there and I think it worked out great. I mean these are our old influences and we still like that style of playing.
I know I ask this question to everyone, but how do you go about getting your new music heard?
Oh man...we're hoping for (pauses..) I mean there are good tools like My Space, and Facebook, internet in general, and you got to take advantage of it. Back in the day you had to read about new music, or hear about it from somebody, or just go into the record store and taking your chances of picking it up. Now, you could just reach to millions of people quickly, so we're taking advantage of it, and try to spread the word across. The diehard fans will buy the record quickly, and the others will downloaded or copy it, but either way your music will be heard.
Death Angel did three studio record prior to disbanding, and since reforming (and releasing "Relentless Retribution") you are now at the same point. It's like the band is approaching the crossroads of it existence once again. What are your thoughts?
I can't speak for back then, but you're right. We are at the crossroads of our existence with this album. I mean Death Angel established itself as a band that can do anything. They are very influential, and were able to throw all styles of music, as you can hear on "Act III." I think "Relentless Retribution" will have that type of diversion in today's terms. When you hear it, you'll notice how well rounded it is. You'll hear the initial riffs that make the band, but you'll hear plenty of other things thrown in. The album takes you on a musical journey, but still keeps it in the Death Angel fashion.
I remember speaking to Rob about this next topic, and we both agreed on it back in 2004. I've always considered Death Angel to be fantastic instrumentalists, but I felt the band never got the credit from the trade publications such as guitar magazines and the like in the past. Has that changed since the release of "The Art Of Dying"?
I think it did change. A lot of magazines like Guitar, and Guitar World, and other such publications are starting to come around. They are starting to notice us more. We're starting to make some noise. I guess the people are starting to realize Death Angel is a great band. The band always seemed to fall under the radar while everyone's on top, but now we're at the point where we are noticed more. And it's really good for us, I think the band deserves that recognition, it deserved it even back then in the 80s. It was very unfortunate such recognition was not given, but we're getting it now, and it's great for us.
We've mentioned early that two original members left the band because of life's demands. Is Death Angel a band that can make ends meet financially? Are you able to devote your lives into this art without worrying about where the next paycheck is going to come from?
We do OK. There are sacrifices we have to make. Some of us are married, and we have to leave our families behind when we tour, and that's never easy. What makes it easier is the five of us. We really want to do this, and we want this band to happen. The support of our families and friends at home is great, and it helps us to make it happen. We do OK, but we have to keep going and going in order for us to keep going up. We have to build the band back up again. It's a different time and different era, so we need to focus on that. And with downloading the music, it's a completely different business.
The downloading must be hard on every band.
Yes, it is. People are downloading the music, and bands are selling less records. There is nothing you can do about it. You just have to learn how to embrace it, and try to work with it. And the only way to do it is to go out there and play shows. You can download music, but you can't download merchandise. I mean you can watch the performances on You Tube, but it's a totally different experience than going to a show. So we just have to go out there and keep touring. I mean you can download the music, but the MP3 form is just not as good as putting a CD into your player, and looking at the artwork, or reading the lyrics. So we hope to make an impact on the internet, so the buy people will go out and buy the actual record, and get that feeling back again.
The two records had a limited versions where a live DVD was included, will this be the case with "Relentless Retribution"?
Yes, there will be an edition with a DVD, and it's going to be the making of the record. It's gonna talk about the history of the band with the old members. You will see the footage of the band writing the record all the way through the recording process. I filmed and produced everything, and it will be a limited release for both North America and Europe. It will come in a digi-pack I believe. "The Art of Dying" had a live performance from Switzerland, "Killing Season" had a live performance too, but with this one we've decided let's do a making of. Let's talk about how we wrote this record because when we were writing it, we were very excited. We just wanted to capture the whole process, and after we did that We've decided to put it together, and it came out great.
The vinyl is making a big comeback nowadays, so I assume there will a vinyl edition as well.
Yes we are releasing the new album on vinyl. I don't know how many there will be pressed, but there will a vinyl version of "Relentless Retribution." The last two records also came out on vinyl. I'm a vinyl guy myself, vinyl always sounds better, and I need my copy too.

links:
http://deathangel.us/
http://www.myspace.com/deathangel