This is a special album for the German long time Thrasher; with this release DESTRUCTION celebrate their 25th anniversary. In my mind DESTRUCTION are something like MOTORHEAD because they have been releasing albums with almost the same sound but in a high standards. Well, to be honest DESTRUCTION had gone through some rough times when Schmier was out of the band. But in the year of 2000 Schmier and Mike rejoined forces and released the impressive All Hell Breaks Loose that mark the beginning of DESTRUCTION's second era.
Nowadays, the band seems stronger than ever and is ready to honor their non-stop operation a well oiled German Thrash machine with their new album entitled D.e.v.o.l.u.t.i.o.n.
The album kicks in with the rather classic clean guitar intro that builds the trademark DESTRUCTION atmosphere. Then, the vocals enter with a high pitched scream that clearly states let the Thrash Metal attack begin Although, I consider Metal Discharge and Inventor Of Evil as two mediocre albums for the Germans' standard I am more than happy to say that this does not apply to D.e.v.o.l.u.t.i.o.n.. The band sounds rejuvenated and actually breathes some fresh air in their songs. Of course, all the trademark elements are here; from the distinct German bass guitar sound and the solid as hell rhythm section to Mike's cutting edge guitar riffs and leads. Absolutely nothing has changed in the vocals where Schmier sounds really evil and powerful as always.
The production is excellent and you can feel the huge sound volume that comes as a road roller in Offenders Of Throne or The Violation Of Morality. What are really love with DESTRUCTION is the evil atmosphere in their music that fits the lyrics like a glove as in Elevator To Hell (what a title!) and of course in the album opener. The neck wrecking tracks Odyssey Of Frustration and No One Shall Survive come with some finger bleeding guitar work to prove that Mike is in an excellent fit for our pleasure!
The album closes with a killer track with another great title; No One Will Survive is a must for the band's live shows during the anniversary world tour that will follow the album's release. So, DESTRUCTION sound solid and stronger than ever proving that Germany is still the spearhead for the Thrash Metal scene!