Thrash is back and you better get used to it. Let's face it, there are some great new thrash bands like Evile and Warbringer, but it's really been the Old Guard who have risen from their graves and wrecked necks in recent years. Defying expectations, the classic thrashers of the 80s have for the most part churned out some really good stuff recently, demonstrating there's just no substitute for experience.

This three-band assault squad managed to transport the entire Congress Theater back to 1987 tonight, making old-timers feel young and giving young kids a taste of something they never had. I heard from Death Angel's Mark Osegueda that Overkill was originally going to be part of the bill. I think my brain would have combusted through sheer awesomeness if that had happened. As it was, I was more than pleased by the show each band delivered that night. It was fun! It was just as crazy as any show back in the day and that was something I wasn't expecting!

Death Angel hit the stage like the hounds of hell were chasing after them and packed as much energy and neck-snapping thrash as they could manage into their brief seven song setlist. Rarely do you see opening bands get the great reception these guys did, including mosh pits and crowd surfers. The setlist was a good mash-up between classic 80s Death Angel tunes like "Evil Priest" and "The Ultra-Violence" and newer anthems from their comeback period like "I Chose The Sky" and "Relentless Retribution.” I would have loved to hear "Thrashers" and "Kill As One" myself, but that will have to wait for a headlining gig. Singer Mark Osegueda was in great form, whipping his long dreadlocks around like a windmill of hair while long-time guitarist Rob Cavestany looked pretty much like he did around 1990 or so as he dished out the licks on "Seemingly Endless Time.” I have sometimes had issues with Death Angel's recorded output but they were on fire on this particular night.