Dark Angel Ignites Seattle on Their Extinction Level Event North American Tour

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Oct 14

Written By Michael Baltierra

Dark Angel at El Corazon - Seattle WA (photo: Mike Baltierra)

Live at El Corazon – October 12, 2025

On October 12, 2025, El Corazon in Seattle became ground zero for thrash metal devastation as Dark Angel brought their Extinction Level Event North American Tour to town. The legendary Los Angeles thrash pioneers, fronted by Ron Rinehart, with Gene Hoglan on drums, Eric Meyer on guitar, Michael Gonzalez on bass, and Laura Christine handling live guitar duties, delivered a blistering set that reaffirmed their legacy as one of the most technically intense bands in the genre. Opening with the epic “Time Does Not Heal,” the group launched into a relentless barrage of precision and power, moving seamlessly through classics like “The Burning of Sodom,” “No One Answers,” and “Extinction Level Event.”

The energy at El Corazon was electric as the band tore through a twelve-song set that highlighted both their historical catalog and their enduring aggression. “Apex Predator” and “Sea of Heads” showcased the band’s intricate musicianship, while “Darkness Descends” and “Perish in Flames” closed the night with a ferocity that left the crowd exhausted but exhilarated. Hoglan’s drumming was a masterclass in precision and endurance, and Rinehart’s commanding stage presence kept the audience in a frenzy. Nearly four decades into their career, Dark Angel proved that their speed, intensity, and technical prowess remain as formidable as ever.

Supporting Dark Angel was Arizona thrash stalwart Sacred Reich, who brought their socially conscious lyrics and groove-laden sound to the Seattle stage. Featuring Phil Rind on bass and vocals, Willy Arnett and Joey Radziwill on guitars, and Dave McClain on drums, the band delivered a tight, energetic set that balanced old-school grit with modern vitality. Their setlist included classics such as “The American Way,” “Ignorance,” and “Surf Nicaragua,” alongside fan favorites like “Independent” and “One Nation.” Rind’s charismatic rapport with the audience and McClain’s thunderous drumming gave the performance both heart and muscle, reinforcing Sacred Reich’s position as one of the most respected names in thrash metal.

Earlier in the evening, Vio-Lence set the tone with an explosive performance that blended speed, aggression, and technical flair. Led by vocalist Sean Killian, the band—rounded out by Ira Black and Claudeous Creamer on guitars, Jeff Salgado on bass, and Nick Souza on drums—delivered a ferocious set of Bay Area thrash anthems. Their performance featured a mix of early and recent material, including “Eternal Nightmare,” “Officer Nice,” and “Kill on Command.” Each song was delivered with surgical precision and unrelenting energy, captivating longtime fans and newcomers alike. The band’s chemistry and stage presence underscored why Vio-Lence remains a cornerstone of the thrash revival movement.

Vio-Lence’s set reached a fever pitch during “Calling in the Coroner” and “World in a World,” songs that highlighted their intricate riffing and Killian’s unmistakable snarling vocal delivery. The crowd responded with intense mosh pits and headbanging, turning El Corazon into a swirling vortex of energy. Despite the passage of decades since their debut, the band played with the hunger and drive of a group still out to prove their dominance. Their precision and raw power made them a standout act in a night filled with thrash legends.

Overall, the Extinction Level Event tour stop in Seattle was a celebration of thrash metal’s enduring vitality and influence. With Dark Angel, Sacred Reich, and Vio-Lence each delivering masterful performances, fans were treated to an unforgettable night of speed, precision, and fury. The addition of openers Midnight and Interceptor rounded out a lineup that showcased both the genre’s roots and its ongoing evolution, solidifying this tour as one of the year’s most powerful metal events.

Setlists

Dark Angel Setlist