Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Death Angel vocalist Mark Osegueda has offered a new update on the band’s next studio album, saying the long-awaited follow-up to 2019’s “Humanicide” is unlikely to arrive before the first quarter of 2028. The thrash metal veterans hope to begin recording the album during the summer of 2027.
In a November 2026 interview with Poland’s KVLT Magazine, Osegueda explained that the group are still writing songs and preparing demos. Rather than rushing into the studio with a fixed selection, the musicians want to develop a substantial collection of material before choosing which tracks will appear on the finished record.
Uh, that’s a tough one. That’s a tough one. I know how long it takes for marketing and whatnot, and especially pressing vinyl these days takes a lot longer. So probably, in all honesty, the safest answer would be first quarter of 2028. But we’ll be recording by summer of 2027.
The group have released several standalone singles since “Humanicide”, including “Wrath (Bring Fire)” and “Cult Of The Used” in 2025, followed by “The Never Was” in 2026. Osegueda said one or two of these songs might make the album, but the final selection has not been decided.
The vocalist compared the writing approach to the band’s 1990 album “Act III”, when the musicians assembled a large pool of songs before narrowing it down to the strongest material. The new album’s title and tracklist have not yet been announced.
Asked about the extended gap between studio albums, Osegueda identified the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary factor. Drummer Will Carroll became seriously ill early in the pandemic, and the band’s recovery and return to regular activity took time.
During the shutdown, Death Angel concentrated on streaming performances and revisiting older material. Osegueda and guitarist Rob Cavestany also recorded the acoustic EP “Under Pressure”. As live music returned, touring again became the group’s main priority.
Osegueda rejected the suggestion that his role in Slayer guitarist Kerry King‘s solo band was a major reason for the delay. He explained that Cavestany writes the music while he contributes lyrics and vocal melodies, allowing him to continue working even while involved in other projects.
The band continue to perform internationally and have been celebrating the 35th anniversary of “Act III” with shows featuring the album in full. Further concerts in Europe and Australia are also part of their current plans.
Formed in California’s Bay Area in 1982, Death Angel became one of thrash metal’s defining groups through records such as “The Ultra-Violence”, “Frolic Through The Park” and “Act III”. Their 2019 album “Humanicide” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance.
The current lineup features Osegueda, Cavestany, Ted Aguilar, Damien Sisson and Carroll. The musicians have remained together for many years, giving the group continuity as they prepare their next studio release.
For now, fans should regard early 2028 as an estimate, not an officially confirmed album date. Additional details are expected as songwriting and recording progress.
