Dark Angel is an American thrash metal band hailing from Downey, California, known for their complex song structures and aggressive musical style. The group was formed in 1981 by drummer Gene Hoglan, often revered in the metal community for his exceptional drumming skills, and guitarist Jim Durkin. Dark Angel quickly established themselves in the burgeoning thrash metal scene of the 1980s with their intense speed and precision.

During their early years, Dark Angel released a string of acclaimed albums that bolstered their reputation within the metal community. Among these, "Darkness Descends" (1986) stands as a seminal work, often credited with pushing the boundaries of thrash metal's intensity and complexity. Following this release, they honed their aggressive approach further with "Leave Scars" (1989) and achieved a peak in both technicality and lyrical depth with "Time Does Not Heal" (1991), which boasted the tagline "9 songs, 67 minutes, and 246 riffs". This album, in particular, showcased the band's meticulous craftsmanship and solidified their place in metal history. Despite several hiatuses and lineup changes over the years, Dark Angel's influence remains evident, and their classic albums continue to inspire a new generation of metal artists and aficionados.