California thrash-metal innovators Death Angel revisit ‘Act III’ in Orlando

Death Angel Credit: Jacquelin Goldberg

You can simultaneously be both legend and underdog. Such is the lot of California thrash-metal phenoms Death Angel, who are certified pillars of the landmark 1980s Bay Area thrash movement despite never becoming a household name like their scene contemporaries Metallica. Nevertheless, Death Angel have proven to be a historical triumph by reforming in 2001 after a decade’s hiatus to become an extant creative force that even earned a Grammy nod in 2020.

Now they return to honor their legacy with a 35th anniversary tour for magnum opus Act III, where they’ll perform the breakthrough album in its entirety. Opening will be fellow Bay Area peers Violence and Arizona’s Incite, who are fronted by metal scion Richie Cavalera.

6 p.m. Thursday, May 28, The Abbey, abbeyorlando.com, $27.