THE BEAST

DARK ANGEL Set to Unleash First New Album in 34 Years, ‘Extinction Level Event’

California thrash titans DARK ANGEL are preparing to strike the metal world with their first new album in over three decades. Extinction Level Event will see an official digital release on September 5 via Reversed Records, marking a monumental return for the pioneering band.

The album’s limited collector’s editions—including signed copies and a striking red vinyl—will be available only through September 15, making them a must-have for diehard fans.

Track Listing for Extinction Level Event

1.Extinction Level Event
2.Circular Firing Squad
3.Woke Up To Blood
4.Apex Predator
5.Sea Of Heads
6.Atavistic
7.Scaler Weaponry
8.Scarface The Room
9.E Pluribus Nemo
10.Terror Construct
11.Extraction Tactics

Earlier this summer, DARK ANGEL released “Circular Firing Squad,” the LP’s second single, following the title track “Extinction Level Event”—a song penned by guitarist Jim Durkin over a decade ago. Durkin, who tragically passed away in March 2023 at the age of 58 after a battle with severe liver disease, had been a cornerstone of the band since its earliest days. His legacy lives on through the album, which was recorded at Armoury Studios in Vancouver, B.C., produced by Rob Shallcross, mixed by Mike Fraser, and executive produced by DARK ANGEL drummer Gene Hoglan.

Durkin’s influence is felt throughout the record, even on songs written entirely by Hoglan and Laura Christine, who has stepped in as a permanent member following Durkin’s passing. “Every single song… I wanted to make it to where people are like, ‘Yeah, Jim wrote that riff,’” Hoglan explained. “Jim wrote all the best riffs in the band, forever.”

The album delivers the punishing thrash DARK ANGEL fans have come to expect. From the high-octane “Atavistic” to the blood-soaked inspiration behind “Woke Up To Blood,” and the socio-political bite of “Terror Construct,” the new material proves that DARK ANGEL remain a force to be reckoned with.

Hoglan reflected on the bittersweet nature of the release: “Jim’s playing and performances live on through DARK ANGEL. When I write for the band, I’m thinking, ‘What would Jim do here?’ His presence is massively all over this new record.”

For fans who’ve been waiting since the band’s 1992 hiatus following Time Does Not Heal , Extinction Level Event is both a tribute to their roots and a demonstration that DARK ANGEL’s thrash pedigree is as relentless as ever.

Exclusive Interview with Gene Hoglan

In an exclusive interview with Zach Moonshine, host of Metal Devastation Radio, Gene Hoglan delved deeper into the making of Extinction Level Event , reflecting on the band's legacy, the creative process behind the album, and the enduring influence of the late Jim Durkin. The conversation offers fans an intimate look into the band's journey and the passion driving their return to the thrash scene.

You can watch the full interview here:

Photo by Alex Solca