In a significant development for extreme metal enthusiasts down under, legendary drummer Gene Hoglan has confirmed his participation in an upcoming January 2027 Australian tour, performing double duty with both DEATH TO ALL and DARK ANGEL. Hoglan, a revered figure in the drumming world known for his work with a multitude of iconic bands including Testament, Death, Dethklok, and Strapping Young Lad, revealed the demanding schedule in a recent interview on The Downbeat Podcast, hosted by Stray From The Path drummer Craig Reynolds. The prospect of Hoglan simultaneously performing with two of metal’s most influential acts presents a unique challenge and an unprecedented live experience for Australian fans.
The Drumming Dynamo’s Double Duty
Hoglan articulated the logistical complexities of his upcoming role, noting that the primary challenge lies not in the performance itself, but in the demanding travel schedule inherent to touring Australia. "The only challenging part of that will be… If we were on a tour bus for that run, I’m into it. We fly from show to show, and we have, like, three-shows-in-a-row kind of thing, a lot of that stuff, so that’s where [it will get challenging]," Hoglan explained. He elaborated on the impact of frequent flights and the absence of consistent rest, a critical element for his performance regimen. "Early flights, all that, and not getting rest. And I am a serial napper. Everybody knows that I am a napper before the show, and that’s how I get my energy for it. And you don’t get naps when you’re touring Australia. You don’t get naps when you’re touring South America, because [there’s] a lot of fly dates involved, and I’m prepared for that."
To combat the fatigue and maintain his peak performance, Hoglan shared his pre-show strategy, which involves opting for "superfood" supplements over more conventional energy drinks. "I drink superfood before I go on stage. I try not to do the things like the Red Bulls and all that, but I’ll drink superfood, which is just concentrated vitamins, and it gives you a whole lot of energy. And then you’re able to go to sleep that night because you’re not all revved up on Red Bull. But that sort of thing is pretty helpful." This dedication to his craft, even in the face of challenging touring conditions, underscores Hoglan’s status as one of extreme metal’s most committed artists.
DEATH TO ALL: A Legacy in Motion
The current iteration of DEATH TO ALL, a band dedicated to honoring the monumental legacy of the late Chuck Schuldiner and his groundbreaking band Death, features a formidable lineup. Alongside Hoglan on drums, the band includes Steve DiGiorgio, a bassist celebrated for his work with Testament and Sadus, on bass. Guitar duties are handled by Bobby Koelble, a veteran of Death’s seminal album "Symbolic." Vocal and additional guitar responsibilities fall to Max Phelps, known for his contributions to Cynic, who has been a consistent touring member of DEATH TO ALL.
This assembly of musicians represents a deep connection to Death’s recorded history. Gene Hoglan was the drummer for Death’s highly acclaimed albums "Individual Thought Patterns" (1993) and "Symbolic" (1995). Steve DiGiorgio lent his bass expertise to the groundbreaking "Human" (1991) and "Individual Thought Patterns." Bobby Koelble was the guitarist on the influential "Symbolic" album. This collective experience ensures an authentic and powerful rendition of Death’s diverse and influential catalog.
For their inaugural Australian tour, DEATH TO ALL is set to deliver an expansive setlist that traverses the entirety of Death’s storied discography. Fans can anticipate a comprehensive tribute, encompassing material from landmark albums such as "Scream Bloody Gore" (1987), "Leprosy" (1988), "Spiritual Healing" (1990), "Human," "Individual Thought Patterns," "Symbolic," and "The Sound Of Perseverance" (1998). This approach to their live performances demonstrates a deep respect for the evolution of Death’s sound and lyrical depth.
The band has a recent history of dedicated album-focused tours. In the fall of 2023, DEATH TO ALL concluded a North American run called "Symbolic Healing," a month-long celebration dedicated to two of Death’s most pivotal albums: "Spiritual Healing" and "Symbolic." Prior to that, in 2024, the band paid homage to "Scream Bloody Gore" and "The Sound Of Perseverance" across North America. Each of these tours also incorporated classic tracks from Death’s extensive catalog, ensuring a comprehensive experience for fans.
DARK ANGEL: Resurgence and Reflection
The inclusion of DARK ANGEL on the Australian bill marks a significant moment for the band, which has recently seen a resurgence with new material and a renewed touring presence. DARK ANGEL, pioneers of thrash metal, are known for their aggressive sound and influential albums. Their first new album in 34 years, "Extinction Level Event," was released digitally in September 2025 via Reversed Records. The release of this album signifies a powerful return for the band, demonstrating their continued relevance and creative drive.
The album’s second single, "Circular Firing Squad," was released in June 2025. The title track, "Extinction Level Event," holds particular poignancy. It was written by the late DARK ANGEL guitarist Jim Durkin more than a decade prior to its release. Durkin’s passing in 2023 was a significant loss to the metal community. The recording and mixing of the album took place at the Armoury Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with Gene Hoglan serving as executive producer. Rob Shallcross handled production and engineering, with mixing by Mike Fraser. This collaborative effort behind the scenes highlights the dedication and talent involved in bringing "Extinction Level Event" to fruition.
Jim Durkin, an original member of DARK ANGEL, played on the band’s first three albums: "We Have Arrived" (1985), "Darkness Descends" (1986), and "Leave Scars" (1989). He departed the group in 1989 but rejoined the lineup when the band reformed in 2013, remaining an active, albeit sometimes intermittent, member until his passing. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the band’s early sound and its enduring legacy.
Interestingly, prior to his death, Durkin had been stepping back from some live performances. During these periods, Hoglan’s wife, Laura Christine, stepped in to fill his role. Christine has since become a permanent member of DARK ANGEL, adding another layer of continuity and familial connection to the band’s ongoing narrative. Her presence, alongside Hoglan’s dual role, adds a unique dynamic to the upcoming tour.
The Genesis of Death and the Legacy of Schuldiner
The inclusion of DEATH TO ALL in this tour is a direct testament to the enduring impact of Chuck Schuldiner and his vision for Death. Founded in 1984 as MANTAS in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Death emerged as a pivotal force in the nascent death metal scene. Alongside bands like Possessed, Death was among the earliest pioneers, drawing inspiration from acts like Nasty Savage and quickly becoming a defining entity in the Florida death metal landscape. By the late 1980s, Death was not only a part of the international death metal explosion but also instrumental in shaping its sound and aesthetic. The band’s dissolution in 2001, following Chuck Schuldiner’s passing, left a void that DEATH TO ALL has strived to fill, ensuring that Schuldiner’s innovative music continues to be experienced and appreciated by new generations of fans.
The formation of DEATH TO ALL as a tribute band is a critical element in understanding the context of this tour. It is not merely a performance of old songs, but a carefully curated celebration of a groundbreaking artist’s legacy. The musicians involved, with their direct connections to Death’s recording history, bring an unparalleled authenticity to these performances.
Implications for the Australian Metal Scene
The joint tour of DEATH TO ALL and DARK ANGEL represents a significant event for the Australian extreme metal community. The prospect of witnessing Gene Hoglan perform double duty with two highly respected and influential bands is a rare opportunity. This tour promises to be a comprehensive journey through the annals of death and thrash metal, offering fans a chance to experience some of the genre’s most pivotal works performed by musicians intimately involved in their creation and evolution.
The logistical feat of coordinating two full sets from two distinct bands, especially with the demands of flying between shows, highlights the dedication of both the artists and the promoters. For fans, it translates to an unparalleled live metal experience. The tour’s emphasis on performing entire albums, coupled with legacy material, suggests a deep dive into the sonic histories of both Death and Dark Angel, catering to both longtime devotees and those discovering these titans of extreme music for the first time. The January 2027 dates are poised to be a landmark occasion for Australian metal fans, solidifying the enduring power and influence of these seminal bands.
