Photos and review by Christopher Crone
Sacramento’s Ace of Spades was packed Wednesday night as Death Angel rolled into town celebrating the 35th anniversary of their landmark album Act III. For fans of Bay Area thrash metal, this wasn’t just another concert—it was a celebration of a scene that continues to thrive decades after it first exploded out of Northern California.
For me personally, it was also a full-circle moment. The first time I photographed Death Angel was back in 1986. Nearly forty years later, I found myself back in the photo pit shooting one of the most influential bands to ever emerge from the Bay Area thrash movement
Opening the evening was Arizona’s Incite, who wasted no time getting the crowd moving. Frontman Ritchie Cavalera delivered his trademark aggressive vocals while the band unleashed a relentless mix of groove metal and thrash. Their set was heavy, energetic, and exactly what an opening band should be—an adrenaline shot to kick off the night.
As I watched Incite tear through their set, it dawned on me that I’ve been on quite the Sepultura family tree run lately, having covered Soulfly, Sepultura, and now Incite over the past several months. Not a bad streak at all.
Next came Bay Area thrash legends Vio-Lence. Few bands can match the intensity they bring to the stage, and Wednesday night was no exception. Sean Killian stormed onto the stage wearing his iconic battle vest and immediately had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
The current lineup continues to prove why Vio-Lence remains such a force. Jeff Salgado and Nick Souza fit seamlessly into the band, bringing fresh energy while staying true to the classic Vio-Lence sound fans know and love.
One of my favorite moments of the night happened after the first three songs when I stepped out of the pit and found myself standing next to Steve “Zetro” Souza. Watching him beam with pride while his son Nick performed on stage was one of those genuine moments that reminds you how connected the Bay Area metal community really is. Thrash metal may be over forty years old, but its family tree continues to grow.
When Death Angel hit the stage, the crowd erupted. The band performed Act III in celebration of its 35th anniversary, and hearing those songs live again was something special. Since the album runs roughly 45 minutes, the band also treated fans to additional material spanning their career, including a powerful performance of “The Moth” and a blistering closing run that culminated with “Thrown to the Wolves.”
Throughout the evening, vocalist Mark Osegueda shared stories about the creation of Act III, including the fact that much of the album was written right here in Sacramento. That local connection added another layer of significance to the performance and wasn’t lost on the hometown crowd.
Death Angel sounded as tight and energetic as ever. The years may have passed, but the fire that made them one of the Bay Area’s premier thrash bands remains completely intact.
Three bands. Three generations of metal fans. One unforgettable night. Incite brought the aggression, Vio-Lence delivered classic Bay Area thrash, and Death Angel reminded everyone why they remain one of the most respected and beloved bands in heavy metal.
As someone who first photographed Death Angel nearly four decades ago, covering this show felt like more than just another assignment. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with concert photography and the Bay Area metal scene in the first place.
Some bands survive. Some bands endure. Death Angel continues to thrive.
Categories: Concert Photography
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