Few bands can match the consistency of German thrash machine Destruction. From their early beginnings back in the early 80s the band led ruthlessly by Schmier (Marcel Schirmer) have delivered 14 albums of Teutonic thrash metal and apart from a dodgy spell mid-career, most of their records have been worthy of their place in the German Big Four of thrash. As they emerge from the pandemic with a couple more live albums under their belt, it’s time for the band to celebrate their 40th anniversary with album number 15. It’s a bit of a good one as well.
Line-up changes are not uncommon in Destruction in recent years, and Diabolical sees the debut of rhythm guitarist Martin Furia, who replaces founder member Mike Sifringer. He lines up alongside Swiss lead guitarist Damir Eskic and drummer Randy Black who both made their first appearance in 2019’s Born to Perish.
Step deftly over the internal politics and focus on Diabolical and you’ll find a vicious and defiant 47-minute slab of thrash metal which ticks all the boxes. It’s relentlessly brutal, fast and furious with track after track a full aural assault. A raging inferno of driving riffs and batteringly fast drumming, Diabolical is as relevant today as the early days of Infernal Overkill and Eternal Devastation were back in the mid-1980s.
A classic intro opens the album, the cleverly named “Under the Spell’ easing the listener into position, allowing time for the seatbelt to be applied before the coming storm. It erupts seconds later, a gargantuan riff giving way to a bloodcurdling scream, and we are away with the blistering title track! It’s a full-paced blast which immediately gets the head banging and which will induce mayhem on the floors of shows across the globe in the months to come. Punishingly fast, the thick raging riffs are unrelenting. It’s a powerful opener and a clear statement that Destruction still has more to give to the world. The soloing is frenetic, the pace explosive and Schmier’s visceral roars appear to have lost none of their edge, even 40 years on.
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With such a barnstorming opening, the main question is whether Destruction can maintain the momentum. Well, those who are familiar with the band will get the answer very quickly as the band roar into “No Hope for Humanity”. It’s another hyper speed tempo, Schmier’s snarling vocals as powerful as ever. It’s a brutal double punch at the start of an album that doesn’t drop below 100mph.
Although there is little let up in the intensity, the tempo does fluctuate ever so slightly with “Repent Your Sins” a little slower, bringing a chugging rhythm as Schmier rages above the driving riffs, his screams combating the shrill guitar breaks. It’s a spinning vortex of riffing pandemonium with “Hope Dies Last”, one that will doubtlessly provoke chaos in the pit. It’s a song of defiance, very apt in such dark times and the blistering pace, combined with a catchy melody rip into the flesh. It’s powerful stuff.
Diabolical is also stuffed full of anthems. “Last of A Dying Breed” is a pacey beast with gang vocals on the chorus, razor sharp lead breaks and thunderous drumming. “State of Apathy” combines social commentary with another punishingly heavy track and some incredibly aggressive drumming from Black, whilst “Tormented Soul” sees some bluesy guitar work amidst the carnage.
What struck me on first listen was the consistency of the song writing on Diabolical. Destruction have been consistently good for many years and this album has a vitality which is incredible. The visceral “Servant of the Beast” slashes and tears, a merciless onslaught with enough energy to power a nuclear plant. The guitar work remains high quality throughout, with some phenomenal lead breaks. It’s also pleasing to hear the tightness in engine room with Furia’s solid riffing adding heft. That’s not to say that he’s improved things after Sifringer’s departure, but he’s not let things slide and it’s an impressive first recording.
As we arrive at the business end of the album, there is no let up. “The Lonely Wolf” is probably one of the lighter tracks and it’s still a ferociously played track with little to fault. In fact, it is one of the finer songs on the album, with a rattling pace and melody that even allows for a little singalong.
The uncompromising force of the band is evident on “Ghost from the Past” which whistles past at high velocity, the classic feel of “Whorefication” with a slight Megadeth vibe and the triumphant conclusion, an explosively charged cover of GBH’s “City Baby Attacked by Rats”.
40 years may have ed but the fire still rages. Destruction may have changed line-up but with Schmier still driving the machine, this is a band that show no signs of stopping anytime soon. An essential listen for any self-respecting fan of thrash metal.
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Diabolical is out on April 8th
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