Formed in 1982, Destruction is considered one of the “Big Four” of German thrash metal alongside Kreator, Sodom, and Tankard. The band now offers their 15th album “Diabolical” in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and it is a raging thrash attack showing that even after 40 years, the band has plenty more to give.
This is the first full release with Martin Furia joining the band on rhythm guitar in 2021, alongside Randy Black on drums, Damir Eskic on lead guitar, and the formidable Marcel “Schmier” Schirmer on bass and vocals.
The first track that was released by the band ahead of the album is the title track “Diabolical”, straight away you’re hit in the face with an impressive vocal scream and screaming guitar, melding together. It is clear why the band chose this track to release first, it’s exactly what any Destruction fan needs to build anticipation for what the album will provide.
“Hope Dies Last” takes off with a hectic guitar lead, Schmier’s vocals range from lower typical thrash to some bone-chilling higher screams – the track doesn’t let up from start to finish. In fact, the entire album is unrelentingly violent.
“The Last of a Dying Breed” gives a sense of the unfaltering commitment the band has to their craft, in the wake of many new metal bands and genres that have emerged in the decades since Destruction began. The band is again stamping their authority on the thrash metal genre, reminding us all of the histories the band has and that they will continue to deliver metal that is unyielding to any trends.
A massive drum fill, a scream, and a furious riff lead into “State of Apathy” , it is “in your face, fierce thrash metal” at its best. The solo from Eskic is complete insanity and matches the frantic speed of the track. I do get a slight Slayer feel from this track with the tempo and vocals, but it still holds that distinctly Destruction element that sets it apart.
“Tormented Soul” pulls back slightly on the tempo, giving room for Schmier’s vocals to diversify and fluctuate. Vocally this track is a standout, there is an underlying malice in the delivery.
The overall standout track for me is “No Faith in Humanity”, it is riotous, and the lyrics are so relevant to the current madness in the world. The music, vocals, and lyrics depict that all hell has broken loose around the world and the state of the human race. The solo on this track is wild beyond belief!
There is not one track on “Diabolical” that lets the album down, it is a thrash assault of epic proportions. From the outset, there is no doubt that the band has thrown everything they have into the album and the ceaseless, ruthless energy is invigorating.
Any fan of thrash metal will love this album, it is a masterclass in the very roots of German thrash.
Destruction: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: Napalm Records
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
