Thrash Metal
Napalm Records
Genre: Thrash Metal
Release Date – March 7th 2025
Line Up:
Schmier – Bass/Vocals
Martin Furia – Guitar
Damir Eskic – Guitar
Randy Black – Drums
Tracklist:
Birth Of Malice
Destruction
Cyber Warfare
No Kings – No Masters
Scumbag Human Race
God Of Gore
A.N.G.S.T
Dealer Of Death
Evil Never Sleeps
Chains Of Sorrow
Greed
Fast As A Shark
There will always be a debate on what the first ‘thrash metal’ song was – “20,000 Feet” by Saxon? “Fast As A Shark” by Accept? Or it could go further back, but what is not in dispute is the generation that first heard these songs wanted it heavier, louder, and faster. On came the US ‘Big Four’ plus others, but Europe was also going ‘metal thrashing mad,’ especially in Germany where Kreator, Sodom, Destruction, and Tankard were all carrying the torch. Here we are 42 years later, and Destruction are releasing their latest record. Let me tell you – it’s just as fast, vibrant, and aggressive as their early output.
The album opens with the title track, which is a beating heart and some acoustic noodling before they launch into “Destruction” which just crushes all to the rabid beats of drummer Randy Black. Guitarists Martin Furia and Damir Eskic hack, slash, and slice with their razor-sharp riffage, and what can you say about main man Schmier? He gives it large both vocally and on his rock-steady bassline. “Cyber Warfare” shows that the band don’t shy away from the realities of today, and boy do they let you know how it is. Recently released single, “No-Kings-No-Masters” comes out swinging and they land every punch while Black smacks the shit out of his kit and the guitars serve up some more severe riffage before we get more social commentary on “Scumbag Human Race” which brings a mountain of chug. “God of Gore” harks back to their early days – a rabid rampant banger guaranteed to get a pit going, then things get groovier on new single “A.N.G.S.T” where Schmier brings a huge line which is then mirrored by the guitars, and you will not stop yourself from head-banging to this as it stomps around in concrete boots. “Dealer of Death” is another raging beast before the crushing “Evil Never Sleeps” and the rage of “Chains of Sorrow” and “Greed”. Standby for the surprise – a rollicking cover of the aforementioned “Fast As A Shark” that’s every bit as good as the original.
Destruction have that youthful aggression and energy – although it’s more controlled and precise – with this release they prove that they are truly at the top of their game. Accept no imitations, these guys are the real deal, and they show no sign of easing up. Handle with care because this is red hot!
Written by: Smudge