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Thrash Metal

Napalm Records

Release Date – March 7th 2025

Review By Smudge

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 were 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.

Opening 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 his kit like it spoke about his mum 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 banging your head 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 afore mentioned ‘Fast As A Shark’ that’s every bit as good as the original.

Destruction still has 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!

Track List –

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

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