Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Ready for a REAL treat in the history of the SA metal scene? FIRST, let me say this live footage has NEVER seen the light of day on the internet. I release it today out of the RMW Archive because its just too good AND cool to be tucked away. Back in the early days of RMW – my Crew & I would LOVE to go interview & shoot at the Sunset-Station. The management would always let me stand on the concrete bar to shoot shows & that made for some killer video. [NOTE: Yes, they loved that I was promoting the scene (& their shows), but I ALSO spent A LOT of money at the bar - haha!] I recently ran across this Downset show a few days ago & it reminded about the GREATNESS of this Los Angeles rapcore band. I always LOVED vocalist, Rey Oropeza’s, vibe & how he threw down & worked the crowd. He was totally LEGIT & REAL & full of INTEGRITY,…& this performance back in January 2001 is a testament to that. [NOTE: Rey stops the show at 14:50 cause security were manhandling a fan] This was during the ‘Check You People’ touring cycle & was their last show in Texas & the SA scene came out & represented HARD [NOTE: HUGE circle pit at 34:20 – Rey says it’s the BEST one of the whole tour]; AND, for that reason ALONE I am releasing all 45min I shot that night. I HOPE all our Familia far & wide ENJOY this one! ~ El Mero Metal #downset #robbsmetalworks #empower
Ready for a REAL treat in the history of the SA metal scene? FIRST, let me say this live footage has NEVER seen the light of day on the internet. I release it today out of the RMW Archive because its just too good AND cool to be tucked away. Back in the early days of RMW – my Crew & I would LOVE to go interview & shoot at the Sunset-Station. The management would always let me stand on the concrete bar to shoot shows & that made for some killer video. [NOTE: Yes, they loved that I was promoting the scene (& their shows), but I ALSO spent A LOT of money at the bar - haha!] I recently ran across this Downset show a few days ago & it reminded about the GREATNESS of this Los Angeles rapcore band. I always LOVED vocalist, Rey Oropeza’s, vibe & how he threw down & worked the crowd. He was totally LEGIT & REAL & full of INTEGRITY,…& this performance back in January 2001 is a testament to that. [NOTE: Rey stops the show at 14:50 cause security were manhandling a fan] This was during the ‘Check You People’ touring cycle & was their last show in Texas & the SA scene came out & represented HARD [NOTE: HUGE circle pit at 34:20 – Rey says it’s the BEST one of the whole tour]; AND, for that reason ALONE I am releasing all 45min I shot that night. I HOPE all our Familia far & wide ENJOY this one! ~ El Mero Metal #downset #robbsmetalworks #empower










![WICKED ANGEL on Robbs MetalWorks 2025
There’s a lot to be said about commitment to self-identity; and many musicians consummate that goal without even knowing it OR determined self-direction. It’s just who they are & nothing (or no one) can alter their mindset both personally & musically. I know MANY wonderful artists from the 80’s SA metal scene who fall within this mindset; they’re in bands such as BYFIST, SA SLAYER, HELSTAR & SYRUS to name a few. What I find AMAZING is that many of these artists STILL to this day have not faltered one iota to that identity; an identity that includes a DYI sentiment, on stage theatrics, a love for high vocals, intricate guitar solos & lyrical fantasia. One band that began their respective journey in 1985 here in SA who decisively also follow that mantra is Wicked Angel. The band first became renown through the now coveted 1987 demo, ‘Chaotic Intellect’, which included several unforgettable tracks such as ‘Realms of Chaos’, ‘People of the Black Circle’ & ‘Stealer of Souls’. [NOTE: CI was re-released on 10-inch vinyl via Texas Metal Underground Records in 2013] AND, like many other bands that come from that era – there have been member changes, hiatuses (& reunions) & calamity. And, just when I thought the band had long fallen into the annals of SA metal I was proud to see their resurrection with the release of a NEW 4-song EP called ‘Battle For Evil’ released on June 25th, 2025. BFE is a forceful allegiance to the sound they initially created (only with modern production courtesy of Helstar’s, Larry Barragan); part of that also included the return of original vocalist, David ‘Gumby’ Caballero & the resurrected guitar duo of Joseph Valdez & Roland Casias. I became a quick fan because songs like, ‘Phantazma’, ‘Ferryman’ & the title track exude a vibrant ode to the 80’s with catchy guitar melodies, a clean vocal delivery & sordid stories of dark misfortune. I immediately knew I wanted to do what I could to support. SO, on August 2nd, 2025 I took the liberty of inviting guitarist, Roland Casias & drummer, Ernest Chavarria over to the RMW Studio to chat about it ALL. In the interview below you will see us discuss the following: the early days, their official recordings, band evolutions, the power of art/music, recording BFE, the changing SA scene (& the history of it) & crazy stories from original drummer (& historian), Rick Martinez. I want to thank the guys in WA for an AMAZING night, for sharing everything they did with our cameras & all their goodwill. To the RMW Familia – be sure to look for BFE & relish in the heart of 80’s SA metal. Enjoy! ~ El Mero Metal WICKED ANGEL on Robbs MetalWorks 2025](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q9tjfX5GHKo/mqdefault.jpg)