DESTRUCTION - Thrash Anthems (ENGLISH!!)

Lee la crítica en español


DESTRUCTION - THRASH ANTHEMS
AFM RECORDS
RATING: 9/10







BUY SOME DESTRUCTION'S ALBUMS HERE!


On January 19 the long awaited (especially by me) "Thrash Anthems" was finally available at the stores. We are talking about the re-recordings of some of Destruction's best tracks made by the band before Schmier left it in 1990 (just to return 11 years later to thrash more than ever!).

Some fans of the band may not be too excited about this album; probably most of them being metalheads who have been following the band from its beginnings, when "Sentence of death" was released back in 1984, and who still like that raw sound Destruction's recordings had. Raw sound but of poor quality, too, to tell you the truth. In my opinion, when the Destruction first recorded those tracks the band was still looking for its own identity, so it was a good call to re-record those all-time classics with a decent sound.

'Bestial invasion' (Infernal overkill, 1985) was the song chosen by the German trio to open this 15 track "Best of " that includes two new metal discharges and a bonus track. The songs basically remain the same but with a much better sound that is gonna make many young metalheads get into this legendary band, pioneers of Thrash Metal and without any doubt one of the best in the genre.

After 'Bestial Invasion' comes one of the new creations by the Teutonic band, 'Profanity', which has the distinctive Destruction trademark: plenty of power, speed and all the rage that Schmier's voice carries. 'Released from Agony' (1987) is the third track, followed by 'Mad Butcher' and 'Reject Emotions', both found in the album 'Mad Butcher' (1986). We must mention the awesome job that Marc Reign, who wasn't in the band at that time, does behind the drum set.

We keep listening to 'Thrash Anthems'. 'Death trap' (Infernal overkill, 1985) and 'Cracked brain' (1989/90) are the two next rounds, followed by 'Life without sense' (Eternal devastation, 1986) and 'Total desaster' (Sentence of death, 1984), the first composition by the band, a song full of speed and punkish riffs that from time to times slip into their guitar work.

'Deposition (your heads will roll)' is the second new track that, by the way, has been long available for listening at the band's myspace site (http://www.myspace.com/officialdestruction). Starting too slow for my taste, its pace picks up after a half minute, turning it into one of those songs that will for sure break some necks live… and every neck that has ever attended a show by this band knows the reason why its name is DESTRUCTION!

After this pre-view of what their new release will be like, we can listen to 'Invincible force' (Infernal Overkill, 1985) and 'Sign of fear' (Release from agony, 1987), a track where powerful and heavy riffs combine with acoustic guitars, creating a gloomy and interesting atmosphere. Later on, the loudspeakers spit out 'Tormentor' (Infernal overkill, 1985), 'Unconscious ruins' (Release from agony, 1987) and closing up the album, 'Curse the gods' (Eternal devastation, 1986), one of the Germans' personal favorites that always works well live.


But that's not the last of the anthems… there's still one more. The bonus track 'Eternal ban' (Eternal devastation, 1986), certainly is the icing on the cake… and it sounds awesome with the new production. United we stand, together we are strong.



In short, a job well done and a great idea that of recording again all those classics by one of the greatest Thrash Metal bands of the 80's. Old timers may not like the idea of listening to these tracks that have been with them for so long with a new production, but I think the decision has been the right one. Now I am looking forward to listening to this special and classic setlist at Wacken Open Air festival. I am sure Destruction will not disappoint anyone!



Rating: 9/10
Review by Ana González

Destruction's official website

Thanks, Jose, by the translation!




BUY SOME DESTRUCTION'S ALBUMS HERE!

Agregado: January 28th 2007
Moderador: Miki
Puntuación
Enlace Relacionado: Destruction official site
Hits: 2173
Lenguaje: spanish