From the very first sounds that are emanating through my speakers when I start listening to “Against All Gods”, you can tell that DIABOLISCHES WERK loves SLAYER and EXODUS. By the way, the band name is in German and actually does mean Devilish Workings, so that will give you an inkling in which corner you can place this Teutonic Thrash Metal band with Death Metal influences. If you call them a Death/Thrash Metal band, you will be hitting the nail on the head. Yes, they are from Germany, Kiel to be exact. And also yes, it does shine through as much as the Bay Area influences do.

DIABOLISCHES WERK started their musical life in 2020 and have released their debut album “Beast” in 2021. And again, I can tell you that I have not heard that album before now. That is really becoming a recurring theme, even though I listen to Metal quite a lot. Now, another four years further and they have decided that the world is ready for a second instalment of their musical prowess. “Against All Gods” was released on 06-06-2025 and could and should appeal to every Thrash Metal enthusiast as well as all Old School Death Metal fanatics, as that is what DIABOLISCHES WERK is bringing to the turntable.

As for how good the music on “Against All Gods” is, that is quite simple; it is good. Not outstanding, not earthshattering or any superlative you could think of, but just plain and simple solid, robust and thoroughly enjoyable Heavy Death/Thrash Metal that will have you tapping your feet, moving your neck and hopefully banging your head. The songs will undoubtedly make you think of a lot of peers that you could mention, but somehow it never feels like they are trying to copy another band. No, DIABOLISCHES WERK is trying to use those parts and make them their won, or at least blend them into their own musical writings. And I have to admit that it works.

If you are looking for something innovative, please skip “Against All Gods”, as this will definitely not provide that for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a very decent and proper Death/Thrash Metal album, than DIABOLISCHES WERK has been able to give you just that on this, their latest venture. I really am looking forward to see where they go from here and in the meantime, I’ll just have to go and look for “Beast”.