The Ultra-Violence cover

Released 40 years ago

The Ultra-Violence

Death Angel · 1986

45 min · 8 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless barrage of aggressive riffs and frenetic rhythms, embodying the raw energy of the thrash metal movement.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Thrashers — Opening with an explosive energy, this track sets the tone for the entire album with its fast-paced riffs and aggressive lyrics celebrating the thrash lifestyle.
  • →
    Evil Priest — This song combines intricate guitar work with dark themes, showcasing the band's ability to blend technical proficiency with compelling songwriting.
  • →
    The Ultra-Violence — The title track features a complex structure and dynamic shifts that exemplify the band's musical ambition while reflecting on violence's chaotic nature.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases aggressive riffs and varied tempos, establishing a strong presence in thrash metal.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tempo, maintaining high energy through the first four songs.
  • The final track includes a slower breakdown that contrasts sharply with the preceding aggression, providing a moment of respite.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • relentless aggressive energy bursts
  • cathartic release through intensity
  • high-octane adrenaline rush sessions
  • frenetic rhythms for active listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer calm, soothing sounds
  • want subtle melodic intricacies

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1986, The Ultra-Violence was Death Angel's debut album, marking their entry into the thrash metal scene at a time when they were just teenagers. The band had already gained recognition through live performances, but this album solidified their reputation as one of the genre's key players.
Stylistic neighbors
Testament· Overkill· Exodus

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Kill as One

    The bridge introduces a shift in perspective, moving from a collective voice to an individual declaration of defiance against oppression.

    This transition emphasizes personal agency amidst chaos, contrasting with the earlier communal tone and adding depth to the narrative.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Thrashers 7:12
  • 2 Evil Priest 4:54
  • 3 Voracious Souls 5:39
  • 4 Kill as One 5:02
  • 5 The Ultra-Violence 10:33
  • 6 Mistress of Pain 4:04
  • 7 Final Death 6:03
  • 8 I.P.F.S. 1:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata