Destruction – ‘The Curse Of The Antichrist : Live In Agony’ (AFM)
CD Reviews
Written by Darrel Sutton
Tuesday, 13 October 2009 19:41
Back in 1985 when everyone was getting all hot and bothered by some band from the Bay Area, three young Germans were unleashing their ‘Sentence Of Death’ mini album to many plaudits in the metal underground.
Obviously not gaining as much press and success as said US band, Destruction nevertheless have always been held in very high regard in the metal underground releasing some superb albums throughout their career, with ‘Infernal Overkill’ and ‘Eternal Devastation’ pissing all over most of the competition, including bigger name, less deserving bands from the US. Unhindered by their lack of commercial success, particularly in recent times, Destruction have persevered for twenty five years and to celebrate this landmark they have released this live opus, recorded at Wacken in 2007 and Tokyo earlier this year.
What stands out about this album, other than the fantastic sound and power of it, is the sheer quality of their back catalogue. It’s not until you hear some of their songs in a live environment that you appreciate just how many top notch thrash songs they have written. Golden oldies ‘Death Trap’ and ‘Bestial Invasion’ rub shoulders with newer tracks like ‘Metal Discharge’ and long-time live faves ‘Cracked Brain’ and ‘Nailed To The (Fucking) Cross’ with all sounding absolutely blistering.
Schmier and drummer Marc provide a shuddering rhythm for Mike’s quite incredible guitaring. You tend to forget they are just a three-piece, the way he manages to effortlessly segue his rhythm and lead parts. A true thrash guitar genius. There are a few treats for long-time fans as well, with guest vocals from Peavy, Blitz from Overkill, Oddleif Stendland and Tom Angelripper on ‘The Alliance Of Hellhoundz’ and a three-way drum extravaganza with former drummers Olly, Tommy and Sven on ‘Thrash Till Death’.
Having kicked off the whole European thrash explosion all those years ago, Destruction show they have no intention of giving up anytime soon, and on this form you’d back them every step of the way. Well worth your hard-earned pennies.