DESTRUCTION

D E V O L U T I O N

AFM/ CD

German thrash veterans celebrate their 25th anniversary in style. Last year they’ve started the party with the collection of re-recorded immortal classics „Thrash Anthems”. It was a solid starter indeed. But now the time has come for the main course. „D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.” is fifth – and in my opinion one of the best – album in band’s new era. Since 2000 Schmier and Co. always deliver quality old fashioned thrash metal. It’s no different this time. But in my opinion the new stuff is a little bit more vital and frisky then 2005’s „Inventor of Evil”.

The acoustic opening may be a cliche. But at the same time it sound like an invitation for all the old schoolers. The title track – which opens more than 40 minutes of thrash metal feast – starts with high pitched scream and classic, speed riffs and Marc’s thick drumming. This is a song that all DESTRUCTION fans will hum while taking a shower Sifringer’s estimable guitar work is the main album;s force. It shines bright through such a songs like „O.ffenders of the Throne”. Cutting edge heavy riffs pummel your lower jaw during „L.ast Desperate Scream”. Storming „O.ddysey of Frustration” rages on fueled by great riffs. . In „U.rge (the Greed of Gain)” we have two great guests playing brilliant solos: Gary Holt of EXODUS and Jeff Waters of ANNIHILATOR did amazing job. There’s nothing to complain about Mike’s solos, too. Thrash metal elite still rules.

Schmier’s characteristic high screams and vicious voice are as impressive as always. This guy is still angry at politicians and their greed. So we get another social thrash message here. Jacob Hansen’s production strengthens the song structures. Everything is loud and clear. With a little help from that talented Dane band pumps high-octane thrash in our veins. Thanks to that „N.one Shall Survive” sound almost as brutal as some of TESTAMENT’s infamous killer tracks. If you follow DESTRUCTION’s musical journey for many years, you wont’ be surprised but you surely won’t be disappointed, too. It classic band’s effort. German thrashers pay tribute to their glorious past. But at the same time they try to deliver quite modern stuff. Of course it’s not the best album in their successful career, but it’s good to have another bunch of songs to annoy neighbours with, isn’t it? Like MOTORHEAD Germans delivered another album with riffs played a thousand times before, but they’re still in a quite high standard. So the whole album deserves this really nice mark.


8/12