I grew up a thrash obsessed teenager. I lived in the early 2000s like it was 1986. Metallica led to Megadeth, who led to Slayer, who led to Possessed. Then Testament and Exodus, and across the ocean to Kreator, Destruction, and Sodom in Germany, down to Brazil with Sepultura and Sarcofago, and east into Japan with the mighty Sabbat. Each band seemed faster and crazier than the last. Riffs and speed became like a drug, and I needed more. Soon, I came upon the fastest one of them all, the L.A. Caffeine Machine, Dark Angel, who I still consider the speed kings of eighties thrash metal. A band that once clocked in 246 riffs on a single album, more than most bands conjure up in their entire career. Whose drummer, the Gene "the atomic clock" Hoglan, did the impossible task of playing faster than Slayer's Dave Lombardo, and made it sound easy.
Dark Angel's landmark 1986 album Darkness Descends changed the game with what could be accomplished in terms of musical speed and human ability. Their classics "The Burning Of Sodom" and "Perish In Flames" sliced through my brain like a storm of razor sharp hooks.
Dark Angel's landmark 1986 album Darkness Descends changed the game with what could be accomplished in terms of musical speed and human ability. Their classics "The Burning Of Sodom" and "Perish In Flames" sliced through my brain like a storm of razor sharp hooks.
The follow-up album Leave Scars matched Dark Angel's signature speed, and upped the ante with darker lyrical themes and superior production. Rippers like "The Death Of Innocence," "No One Answers" and "The Promise of Agony" dealt with deep human trauma. They hit hard and felt real, thanks to the addition of Ron Rinehart on vocals. His gruff performance belted out the lyrics in rapid fire succession, with menace and raw emotion.
Their last album, 1990's Time Does Not Heal is the musical equivalent of a fine cigar. It's a record that one has to sit back and take in to fully indulge their senses. An intricate tapestry of maniacal melodies to marinade in your mind's eye. The band truly embraced their reputation as tireless guitar craftsman, who could crank out a legion of riffs at blistering tempos. 246 riffs, to be exact.
Alas, I was still in diapers during the height of the eighties thrash movement. The closest thing I had to seeing Dark Angel live was a Combat records DVD called the Ultimate Revenge On Disco 2. It featured the L.A. Caffeine Machine in concert alongside Death, Slayer, Forbidden and Faith or Fear at Studio 54 in New York in the late eighties. I'll forever remember that footage of the churning moshpit, flailing with fists and long hair, as the band took the stage during the punishing introduction of "Dark Descends." Front and center was their vocalist Ron, wearing a cut out tank top, chest and arms covered in tattoos, high-fiving the rabid fans in the front row as he banged his head and flexed his biceps. It definitely gave me a throbbing heavy metal hard on.
Three decades later, thrash metal has returned to take over the world. Dark Angel is reunited and performing in festivals on a regular basis. And, for the first time in 30 years, they might even have new music underway.
Behold, a dispatch with the angel of darkness himself, the voice of Dark Angel, Ron Rinehart.
Alas, I was still in diapers during the height of the eighties thrash movement. The closest thing I had to seeing Dark Angel live was a Combat records DVD called the Ultimate Revenge On Disco 2. It featured the L.A. Caffeine Machine in concert alongside Death, Slayer, Forbidden and Faith or Fear at Studio 54 in New York in the late eighties. I'll forever remember that footage of the churning moshpit, flailing with fists and long hair, as the band took the stage during the punishing introduction of "Dark Descends." Front and center was their vocalist Ron, wearing a cut out tank top, chest and arms covered in tattoos, high-fiving the rabid fans in the front row as he banged his head and flexed his biceps. It definitely gave me a throbbing heavy metal hard on.
Three decades later, thrash metal has returned to take over the world. Dark Angel is reunited and performing in festivals on a regular basis. And, for the first time in 30 years, they might even have new music underway.
Behold, a dispatch with the angel of darkness himself, the voice of Dark Angel, Ron Rinehart.
HELL-O Ron, how 's life baby?
Doing great!! Singing, skateboarding, mountain biking, training. All kinds of fun stuff!
Doing great!! Singing, skateboarding, mountain biking, training. All kinds of fun stuff!
It's awesome to see Dark Angel still delivering the goods, three decades later. What has been your favorite show memory of this decade?
All of them are special for different reasons, but some stand out for the people that where there with me. Like Sweden Rock with Pops, Aka Jerry Hoglan and Big Fozz. Both of these fine gentlemen are not with us anymore. RIP. Hellfest was my last time hanging out with Big Fozz. These reasons make these two shows really unforgettable for me. Anytime that I get to jam with my brothers, it’s always a super fun night.
Gene recently mentioned the possibility of a new Dark Angel record. How do you feel about this?
Excited! Uncontrollable! Ready!
Excited! Uncontrollable! Ready!
In the past, you mentioned that when you first joined Dark Angel, Gene helped mentor you into the role. Can you elaborate on this at all?
It’s kind of a long story. When I first joined DA I really could not read very well, an understatement, and Gene without any judgement or sarcasm said, “Brother, if this is the only problem you have, this is a quick fix! I can have you reading in no time.” Just like that we were off and running. It's something that Gene has never mentioned to anyone ever. It was just between Gene and I for the longest time. When you get a little older, you don’t really care how people view you or your past. What you’ve gone through to get where you are defines who you are, not only Gene, but Dark Angel as a whole has always had that effect on basically all of us at one time or another. I think that’s one of the main reasons we can be apart for so long, and start up right back where we left off.
It’s kind of a long story. When I first joined DA I really could not read very well, an understatement, and Gene without any judgement or sarcasm said, “Brother, if this is the only problem you have, this is a quick fix! I can have you reading in no time.” Just like that we were off and running. It's something that Gene has never mentioned to anyone ever. It was just between Gene and I for the longest time. When you get a little older, you don’t really care how people view you or your past. What you’ve gone through to get where you are defines who you are, not only Gene, but Dark Angel as a whole has always had that effect on basically all of us at one time or another. I think that’s one of the main reasons we can be apart for so long, and start up right back where we left off.
On the topic of health, you, your bandmates, and even myself, have all been chugging HIGH ON LIFE Superfoods products. Have you made an effort to be healthier lately?
Big time. It’s at the point now, to do this Dark Angel thing at the level that I want to, I must train and watch what I eat. I believe that super foods and great nutrition is a must and High On Life Superfoods are my go too for that, I’ve seen huge results across the board.
Big time. It’s at the point now, to do this Dark Angel thing at the level that I want to, I must train and watch what I eat. I believe that super foods and great nutrition is a must and High On Life Superfoods are my go too for that, I’ve seen huge results across the board.
The LA Caffeine Machine is responsible for some of the fastest, most violent riffs ever. Tell me about one of the most memorable Dark Angel concert experiences you had "back in the day"?
Fenders Ball Room. Long Beach California Leave Scars album release party. A stage diving experience of a lifetime. Still one of my greatest memories.
What's YOUR favorite Dark Angel song, and why?
"Pain's Invention, Madness." It just speaks to me. The body only takes so much before it drives the mind insane! Yes indeed.
Fenders Ball Room. Long Beach California Leave Scars album release party. A stage diving experience of a lifetime. Still one of my greatest memories.
What's YOUR favorite Dark Angel song, and why?
"Pain's Invention, Madness." It just speaks to me. The body only takes so much before it drives the mind insane! Yes indeed.
What music have you been listening to lately?My go to bands at the moment are Dio, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath.
Are there any newer bands that you really admire?
Like yes, love some. The one new band that comes to mind are the youngsters from New Zealand, Alien Weaponry. I really am a huge fan of everything they are doing so far, keep it guys!
Like yes, love some. The one new band that comes to mind are the youngsters from New Zealand, Alien Weaponry. I really am a huge fan of everything they are doing so far, keep it guys!
Who are your heavy metal heroes?
Dio and his whole body of work is amazing. Judas Priest, Love them. Love Rob’s vocals. Iron Maiden, Bruce is such a stud live. Motörhead, need I say more? Jimi Hendrix, pure heart and soul. I would definitely have to add Sabbath and Alice Cooper to this list as well.
Dio and his whole body of work is amazing. Judas Priest, Love them. Love Rob’s vocals. Iron Maiden, Bruce is such a stud live. Motörhead, need I say more? Jimi Hendrix, pure heart and soul. I would definitely have to add Sabbath and Alice Cooper to this list as well.
What's the biggest difference you see between the metal scene in the eighties, and today? Or do you not see a difference?
I think it’s starting to come back around, that cool vibe of everyone having a great time. For a while, it was a show of people standing around looking at each other. But as of late, it’s been a lot of crowd participation! I think the scene is definitely getting back to its roots.
I think it’s starting to come back around, that cool vibe of everyone having a great time. For a while, it was a show of people standing around looking at each other. But as of late, it’s been a lot of crowd participation! I think the scene is definitely getting back to its roots.
Thank YOU Ron for going one on one with the GRIM 1! Check out Dark Angel's upcoming concert schedule on their official Facebook.
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