Thrash Metal
Noise/BMG
Release Date – November 15th 2024
Line Up:
Tom Angelripper – Vocals/Bass
Andy Brings – Guitar
Chris Witchhunter – Drums
Tracklist:
‘Tapping The Vein’ – Remaster and Redux versions
1 – Body Parts
2 – Skinned Alive
3 – One Step Over The Line
4 – Deadline
5 – Bullet In The Head
6 – The Crippler
7 – Wachturm
8 – Tapping The Vein
9 – Back To War
10 – Hunting Season
11 – Reincarnation
‘Live In Tokyo 1992’ – previously unreleased
1 – Sodomy And Lust
2 – An Eye For An Eye
3 – One Step Over The Line
4 – Deadline
5 – Agent Orange
6 – Skinned Alive
7 – Shellfire Defense
8 – The Crippler
9 – Bullet In The Head
10 – Wachturm
11 – Body Parts
12 – The Kids Wanna Rock
13 – Body Parts – Alternative Remix
14 – Wachturm – Alternative Remix
15 – Reincarnation – Alternative Remix
‘Live In Dusseldorf 1992’ previously unreleased
1 – Sodomy And Lust
2 – An Eye For An Eye
3 – Skinned Alive
4 – One Step Over The Line
5 – Exhibition Bout
6 – Ausgebombt
7 – Remember The Fallen
8 – The Saw Is The Law
9 – Wachturm
– Bombenhagel
‘Live In Cologne 1992’ previously unreleased
1 – Sodomy And Lust
2 – An Eye For An Eye
3 – Agent Orange
4 – Skinned Alive
5 – Better Off Dead
6 – Ausgebombt
7 – One Step Over The Line
8 – The Crippler
9 – Bullet In The Head
10– Wachturm
11– Bombenhagel
32 years ago, in 1992, the music world was dominated by grunge and Brit-pop. Many bands adapted their sound to compete, retreated to smaller venues, or simply disbanded. Sodom, however, took a different path. They embraced a faster, more aggressive style, bordering on death metal. The addition of 20-year-old guitarist Andy Brings, a young talent still in school, injected the band with a youthful energy and a defiant attitude.
The original recording has been meticulously remastered, elevating the already impressive production by legendary producer Harris Johns. This re-release offers a comprehensive package, including a redux version and previously unreleased live recordings from Tokyo, Düsseldorf, and Cologne in 1992.
The opening track, “Body Parts,” immediately showcases Sodom’s raw power and extreme metal influences. Chris Witchunter’s relentless drumming drives the band forward, while Andy Brings unleashes furious riffs and solos. “Skinned Alive” maintains the high-energy pace, with its thrashing rhythm and uncompromising aggression. “One Step Over the Line” starts with a slower, headbanging groove before accelerating into a punchy, intense assault. “Bullet in the Head” features a swinging intro that is abruptly interrupted by a brutal, full-throttle attack.
“The Crippler,” a highlight from their recent tours, is a relentless, chaotic masterpiece. “Wachturm” and the title track further demonstrate the band’s raw energy and intensity. “Back to War” delivers a direct, no-nonsense assault, while “Hunting Season” builds from a bouncy intro into a vicious call to arms. The album concludes with the malevolent “Reincarnation,” leaving a lasting impression.
Disc 2 presents the remastered tracks and alternate takes, while Disc 3 features a blistering live performance from Tokyo. The setlist includes classics like “Sodomy and Lust,” “An Eye for an Eye,” and “The Saw Is the Law,” showcasing the band’s electrifying live energy. Discs 4 and 5 offer additional live recordings from Düsseldorf and Cologne, featuring different setlists that include tracks like “Ausgebombt,” “Bombenhagel,” and “Exhibition Bout.”
This comprehensive re-release is a fitting tribute to the late Chris Witchunter and a testament to Sodom’s enduring legacy. By staying true to their roots and embracing a more extreme sound, Sodom created a timeless classic that stands out amidst the mediocrity of the 90s music scene.
Written by: Smudge
Ratings: 9/10
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