Do I need to write an introduction for one of the leading bands in the German Thrash scene? Along with SODOM and KREATOR gave the momentum to this scene back in the 80s and if you think a little more you will realize that are still on the leading position. The band is already celebrating the 25 years of constant headbanging and is back after the D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. release with a double live album.
When I first heard that DESTRUCTION were planning to put out another live album I thought What the hell, again? Live Discharge has been already out from 2004 and since then, DESTRUCTION have only two albums with new music. Remember that Thrash Anthems had only re-recordings of some of their classic hits. But after my research in the internet I found out that this is a special recording comprising songs from the legendary 'Wacken 2007' and some from their tour in Asia. So, without the initial skepticism I got into the listening sessions.
The album starts with a Thrash explosion featuring the killers The Butcher Strikes Back, Curse The Gods, Nailed To The Cross and Mad Butcher from 'Wacken.' During those massive songs you can get a small taste from the on-stage mayhem these German bring on-stage. The audience is also a part of the recording put the 'live' word in bold letters. The sound is excellent and you can really enjoy its volume despite the fact that they have only one guitar. Here the MOTORHEAD recipe with the bass guitar filling all the gaps works flawlessly. The Alliance Of Hellhoundz is also from 'Wacken' that comes with a triple surprise; Bobby Blitz from OVERKILL, Peavey from RAGE and Oddleif Stensland from COMMUNIC joined Schmier in the vocals giving this track the special atmosphere that the album recording has with the guest appearances. The crowd is 'pushing' the band and sing whenever Schmier was handing over the mic bringing more energy in the album. D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. is the first non-'Wacken' song since it was recorded in the band's recent visit in Tokyo of Japan. The Japanese audience has very different taste in music when compared to the Europeans but in DESTRUCTION's case the reaction is the same with 'Wacken.' Even though, this comes from a different recording there are no major difference apart from the crowd 'voice' that is due to the logically smaller size.
Back in the 'Wacken' set where DESTRUCTION bring the previous drummers Oliver Kaiser, Sven Vormann  and Tommy Sandmann. The latter drummer is getting behind the mic and 'helps' Schmier in Total Desaster while Harry Wilkens with his guitar takes also his place on stage. But the highlight of these guest appearances in the insane version of Thrash Till Death where the band performs with three drummers (Marc Reign, Sven Vormann and Oliver Kaiser). This track sounds totally insane with this drum hurricane where the drummers seem to be in absolute synchronization.
I think you got the whole picture here and invest your money on this double live album that has the 'live' word written in capitals. The band's Thrash energy is captured 100% inside the 22 songs that promise to get you beside the metalheads in 'Wacken' and Tokyo. Stay alert because the The Butcher Strikes Back!
PS: The cover artwork is just amazing!