STEINMETAL (7/10)

The fumes of warfare will never rest, endless clouds of gun powder along with a limitless strain of charred dead bodies lying across streets and roads. This is the world of the SODOM war machine, part of the unholy German Thrash triplet; however, as it may seem by many as pure violence savvy, SODOM has been contradicting the essence of bloody clashes and conflict, shocking their listeners with the horrors and senseless deaths in the name of a purpose that started in some point and got stretched into a monstrous existence. I might have babbled with this intro, but I wanted to make sure you were focused. It has been three years since "In War And Pieces", a warmongering punch in the face that sent images of the cult release of "Agent Orange", and now German Thrashers return with "Epitome Of Torture", also via SPV / Steamhammer Records. Both albums might not consist the same crew as the 1989's SODOM version, counting out Tom Angelripper, but it sure attempted to become one of the band's finest in its long built legacy. Nonetheless, this new voyage isn't what I expected it to be.

In the past SODOM's Thrash Metal always had something to do with the occult, like taking the forms of both VENOM and BATHORY but with that pure energetic flames that escalated the pace and metallic augmentation. Throughout the years the band's style somewhat changed, aligning with their comrades of KREATOR and DESTRUCTION when it comes to the unmercifulness, yet with the preservation of the classic edge of Metal music. When I approached "Epitome Of Torture" I didn't think of "Agent Orange" but only on the former release of "In War And Pieces". That album really destroyed, prevailed just as SODOM has been doing so bloody elegantly for years with straightforward Thrash, always evil and belligerence. In general, this new album attempted to recreate the grand momentous of the earlier album with the same relentlessness and high octane assaults while patching a few Heavy Metal signals, yet in the long run, it virtually ended up monotone and in several flashes, a bit lackluster. Furthermore, as far as the players in motion go, I felt that Bernemann at the axe, after swinging it hard on "In War And Pieces" and on other of the ban's early releases, didn't seem to impress with his lead guitar stints even though the rhythm guitars slayed at most segments. On the other hand, Angelripper, bulged his vocals into low guttural splutters with excellence aside to his known Blackish thin layered emblems and grouchy, raspy tone yelps. The skin man, Markus "Makka" Freiwald, proved that he is SODOM made material, performing for the first time in the band's official release with finesse, right in the spirit of the flagrant music.

Though not enticing as its former, "My Final Bullet", "Katjuscha" and "Into the Skies of War" battled with glory into being true SODOM songs in the manner of the enchanting past. "Katjuscha" is an amazing song, the missile that found so many contacts and was named after a little girl, though a bit depressing to find out about that, but still a true speedy track with an angered vocal line that truly inspired even with being basic. "Into the Skies of War" is the best thing near to German Heavy Metal, simple, pure of modern trends and right in the face. "Invocating the Demons" and "Stigmatized" are tough bastards of the occult, reminding the band's old face of the mid 80s, darkened to the core, but left a kind of a hole since the bit lack of inspiration. I would still go back for those but I would prefer the taste of "Obsessed By Cruelty". SODOM's might have missed their target for just a bit, but issued a fine release. The band's core fans would go crazy just to listen to more material, as a fan myself I was overjoyed to know that something new is out, but I would have wished for something better.

ANGELA "THE HUNTER" (8/10)

What Thrash fan would not be excited about reviewing the latest musical assault from Germany's very own thrash giant SODOM? For over 30 years SODOM has been carving it's place in Metal's history books. Born out a desire to be more than a small town coal miner, Tom Angleripper, along with a cast of great musician, took the simple idea of starting a band, and turn it into an unbelievable reality. I'd say  being considered one of the "big three" of Teutonic Thrash Metal is something to be pretty fucking proud of, for they are in very good company, but on to the review.

With teeth gnashing vocals, guttural screams, and enough musical brutality to inspire many a circle pit, SODOM has brought it it once again. Their upcoming release, "Epitome Of Torture", features 10 tracks of anger fueled Metal brutality that will cause ears to bleed, sacred cows to be slaughtered, and incite the listener to head bang... a lot. Yes it is that good.The album is just a great Thrash release with some melodic touches interwoven to give the song a little more complexity, or depth if you will. The guitars shine throughout the album with all the speed and brutal riffs we have come to know, and love from SODOM. Some stand out tracks are "S.O.D.O.M", "Stigmatized", and "Katjuschka" with a great bass intro from Angleripper on "Invokating The Demon". The drumwork is heavy, solid, and elevates the tone of the entire album. The lyrics are intelligent, thought provoking, and straight to the point as is everything with SODOM. Recording is well balanced with a great mix. I'd say for a rating, I would give it an 8 out of 10. I see a purchase of this album on my music horizon. Until next time, stay well, and live free!

DRAGO (8/10)

I am just going to come out and say it; I am a huge SODOM fan boy. I discovered them in 1984 when they released "In the Sign of Evil". It was a life changing experience and at the time was the heaviest, fastest Metal I had ever heard. I have stood proudly by them their whole career and am enamored with all of their releases. Each and every SODOM release has a place in my dark soul.

Of course I have my favorites and certain time periods are unbeatable. I still think "Agent Orange" is one of the best top 5-Thrash albums of all time. Founder, bassist and vocalist Tom Angelripper is an icon in Metal and for me; the man cannot do any wrong. It is always a huge anticipation when SODOM releases a new album. Three years since their last release they have unleashed "Epitome Of Torture".

Once again working with producer Waldemar Sorychta, who produced their last release "In War and Pieces." The partnership is a great pairing as sonically SODOM haven't sounded this good since their heyday. This time around they have incorporated more variety and the album is improved because of it. The band has suffered its first member change since 1997, drummer Bobby Schottkowski has been replaced by former DESPAIR drummer Markus Freiwald. The move comes as no surprise as Sorychta was also a member of DESPAIR. Freiwald does an excellent job and brings a fresh vibe to the classic SODOM sound with excellent timing and acrobatic drum fills.

SODOM has been on a rampage since they hired guitarist Bernemann back in 1997. His excellent riffing had brought the band back to their classic Thrash roots highlighted by the amazing "Code Red" and the modern day classic "M16." "Epitome of Torture" doesn't achieve the heights of those masterpieces but is on par and maybe a step up over their last two releases.

"My Final Bullet" opens the record with an arpeggiated clean guitar reminiscent of their classic track "My Atonement" before kicking into a classic ultra-fast guitar riff. The chorus is Angelripper at his catchiest as a melodic guitar riff accompanies him. The outro is classic SODOM. Tom sounds like a man possessed as he screams "Thy will be done" over some incredible double bass drumming and Bernemann's best guitar solo on the record, a classic track in the making.

The record is diverse as we have their heaviest track since "Tapping the Vein" and the underrated "Masquerade in Blood" with "Stigmatized." Angelripper throws down some of his most guttural vocals to date, as this is a pummeling listen. "Invocating the Demons" and the TANK inspired "Into the Skies of War" find the band establishing some of their most accessible tunes in years and the latter is one of the best of their career. Angelripper has such a dynamic voice that it is to the betterment of the record that he utilizes all aspects.

The instrumental "Cannibal" is slightly confusing, as it doesn't really go anywhere. There are some great grooves throughout the song and drummer Freiwald shines. I actually thought maybe they forgot to add Angelripper's vocal track in the mix down as the song is dying for some vocals. Again there are some cool moments but not enough to fill up a song over the four-minute mark as it becomes too repetitive. The other area where I feel the band isn't as strong is on the guitar leads. Bernemann is a solid lead player but his leads are very hit or miss here. It felt like a couple of songs the leads could have been thought out more and with someone like Sorychta (who is an amazing player) manning the board he would have demanded it.

"Epitome Of Torture" is another solid release to add to an already legendary catalog. If there were a true heavy metal hall of fame SODOM would be first ballot inductees. At this stage in their career they are not looking to turn the genre upside down as they have in the past, but to continue to build on one of the most jaw dropping legacies in the history of metal as this is another mark on Lucifer's belt.