Satsuriku no Tenshi

Angels of Death

Characters

Rachel Gardner

MAIN

Isaac Foster

MAIN

Daniel Dickens

SUPPORTING

Edward Mason

SUPPORTING

Catherine Ward

SUPPORTING

Abraham Gray

SUPPORTING

Wakai Onna

BACKGROUND

Unveiling the Haunting Enigma: A Deep Dive into Angels of Death Season 1

In the labyrinthine corridors of anime horror, Angels of Death Season 1 (Satsuriku no Tenshi) stands as a peculiar gem, weaving a tapestry of psychological dread, unlikely bonds, and existential musings. Premiering on July 6, 2018, this 16-episode series, produced by J.C. Staff and based on the indie game by Hoshikuzu KRNKRN (Makoto Sanada), defies conventional storytelling with its unsettling atmosphere and morally ambiguous characters. Rather than relying on jump scares or gore, Angels of Death captivates through its exploration of despair, purpose, and the fragile threads that tie two broken souls together. Here’s a unique lens on why Season 1 is an unforgettable descent into a surreal abyss.

A Claustrophobic Stage for Existential Horror

The premise is deceptively simple: 13-year-old Rachel Gardner, a girl with no memories, awakens in the basement of a mysterious, abandoned building. She soon encounters Isaac “Zack” Foster, a scythe-wielding serial killer wrapped in bandages. What unfolds is a pact born of desperation—Rachel, yearning for death, asks Zack to kill her once they escape, while Zack, craving freedom, agrees to spare her until they reach the surface. Each floor of the building is a twisted domain ruled by a “floor master,” each a unique manifestation of human darkness, from obsessive grave-digger Eddie to sadomasochistic jailer Cathy.

What sets Angels of Death apart is its setting—a claustrophobic, almost sentient building that feels like a character itself. The anime’s art direction, helmed by Miki Matsumoto, uses muted palettes and stark shadows to amplify the sense of entrapment. Each floor’s design mirrors its master’s psyche, creating a Dantean journey through layers of sin and suffering. The basement’s cold sterility contrasts with the upper floors’ grotesque opulence, making the environment a silent narrator of the characters’ inner turmoil.

Unlike traditional horror, the terror here is existential. The building isn’t just a prison; it’s a crucible testing Rachel and Zack’s will to live—or die. The series asks uncomfortable questions: What does it mean to seek death? Can purpose be found in destruction? These themes resonate through the sparse yet evocative script, overseen by Yoshinobu Fujioka, which avoids over-explanation, letting viewers grapple with ambiguity.

Rachel and Zack: A Bond Forged in Blood

At the heart of Angels of Death is the unlikely relationship between Rachel and Zack, a duo whose chemistry is both its greatest strength and most divisive element. Rachel, voiced with chilling detachment by Haruka Chisuga, is a paradox—a blank slate with a death wish, yet fiercely determined to survive for her own demise. Her emotionless demeanor, often criticized as wooden, is deliberate, reflecting her fractured psyche and making her rare moments of vulnerability (like her plea to Zack in Episode 4) profoundly impactful.

Zack, brought to life by Nobuhiko Okamoto’s raw intensity, is a chaotic counterpoint. A killer who revels in slaughter yet adheres to a warped moral code (he only kills those who want to live), Zack’s brash exterior hides a childlike simplicity. His interactions with Rachel evolve from begrudging alliance to a bond that’s neither romantic nor platonic but something uniquely codependent. Their dynamic—Rachel’s quiet resolve anchoring Zack’s impulsivity—creates a compelling push-and-pull that carries the narrative.

Critics have noted their “wonderfully odd chemistry” (Hardcore Gamer), and it’s this interplay that elevates the series beyond its game roots. Moments like Zack’s promise to kill Rachel, sealed with a bloodied handprint, or their shared laughter amidst chaos in Episode 12, feel raw and human, grounding the surreal horror in emotional stakes.

A Soundtrack That Haunts

No discussion of Angels of Death is complete without its soundtrack, composed by Noisycroak at Lantis. The score is a masterclass in minimalism, using dissonant piano chords and eerie strings to mirror the characters’ fractured minds. The opening theme, “Vital” by Masaaki Endoh, pulses with frenetic energy, capturing the urgency of survival, while Haruka Chisuga’s ending theme, “Pray,” is a haunting lullaby that echoes Rachel’s longing for release. These tracks, paired with the series’ immersive sound design—creaking floors, distant screams—create an auditory experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Flaws That Add to the Charm

Angels of Death isn’t flawless. Its pacing falters at times, particularly in the middle episodes, where the floor-by-floor structure feels repetitive. Some viewers find Rachel’s stoicism frustrating, and the anime’s low-resolution visuals, a nod to its RPG Maker origins, may not appeal to those accustomed to polished animation. Yet, these imperfections contribute to its cult appeal. The rough edges mirror the characters’ brokenness, and the deliberate pacing forces viewers to sit with the discomfort of their choices.

The final four episodes, streamed online due to broadcast slot constraints, are a point of contention. Exclusively available on Amazon Prime in Japan, they left some fans feeling shortchanged. However, these episodes—culminating in a shocking, ambiguous ending—tie the narrative together with devastating clarity. Without spoiling, the finale subverts expectations, leaving viewers to ponder Rachel and Zack’s fates. As one IMDb reviewer noted, “It’s devastatingly and terrifyingly beautiful, and will stay with you long after the end.”

A Cult Classic in the Making

Angels of Death Season 1 is not for everyone. Its abstract style, unsettling themes, and refusal to spoon-feed answers cater to a niche audience craving something beyond mainstream anime. Yet, for those who connect with its dark heart, it’s an unforgettable experience. The series’ blend of horror and romance, as noted by The Nation Roar, creates a “unique blend that is undeniably effective,” earning it a dedicated following at conventions, where Rachel and Zack cosplayers keep their tragic story alive.

What makes Season 1 truly unique is its refusal to conform. It’s not just a horror anime; it’s a meditation on what it means to be human in the face of despair. Rachel and Zack’s journey, set against a backdrop of blood and betrayal, is a testament to the power of unlikely bonds. As the building burns and the police close in, their final act of defiance—rooted in a promise only they understand—leaves an indelible mark.

For those intrigued, Angels of Death is available on Crunchyroll (subbed) and Funimation (dubbed). Dive in, but beware: this is a story that takes residence in your heart without permission.

Note: No Season 2 has been confirmed as of July 2025, though fans continue to petition for its revival on platforms like Crunchyroll.