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Destruction - Infernal Overkill review




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Reviewer:
8.8

280 users:
8.23
Band: Destruction
Album: Infernal Overkill
Release date: 1985


01. Invincible Force
02. Death Trap
03. The Ritual
04. Tormentor
05. Bestial Invasion
06. Thrash Attack
07. Antichrist
08. Black Death

Infernal Overkill is the first full-length and a defining album by the German thrash titans, Destruction. Yes, they had released an EP the previous year, entitled Sentence Of Death, but Infernal Overkill is the release that really showcases what this band would eventually become: A top-tier driving force in the Teutonic thrash metal scene.

When talking about Infernal Overkill, the fact that it was released in 1985 must be mentioned. During this time in Germany, thrash metal was still an infant. Other Teutonic thrash bands were also in the starting stages of their careers. Kreator also released their very first album in the same year, whereas Sodom were still into their blackened-thrash period. This being said, Destruction's debut was pretty heavy and innovative for its time. Compared to American thrash albums of the same time, Infernal Overkill sounds more evil and sinister.

This album is not very long. It has eight tracks on it, and spans a little less than 40 minutes. However, it hits you like a tornado, as Infernal Overkill is a package of mind-blowing thrash songs. The very first track, entitled "Invincible Force," which to this day remains one of the fan-favorites, showcases all the main features of this band: Raw vocals of Marcel Schirmer (Known as "Schmier"), whose German-accented English singing fits the fast riffs of Mike Sifringer just perfectly; all this being accompanied by the furious drumming performed by "Tommy" Sandmann. All in all, the product of these three musicians is this evil, fast, non-stop thunder of an album. First five songs attack the listener so quickly, leaving him in shock, being followed by the amazing instrumental called "Thrash Attack." The seventh track is yet another breathtaking thrash song, and the last one, the epic seven-and-a-half minute "Black Death," is the icing on a cake.

The lyrical motives on the album are exactly what you would expect from this kind of record: Themes like Antichrists, rituals, death and torment are dominating.

All in all, Infernal Overkill is a classic example of an old school thrash masterpiece. First time listeners, prepare to be possessed by an "invincible force," as this album will leave you banging your heads non-stop for almost 40 minutes.


Rating breakdown
Performance: 9
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 9
Production: 8

Written by Jagermeister | 13.04.2015




Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.


Comments

Comments: 4   Visited by: 53 users
16.04.2015 - 05:33
Guib
Thrash Talker
Good review man! That sums it up pretty well
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- Headbanging with mostly clogged arteries to that stuff -
Guib's List Of Essential Albums
- Also Thrash Paradise
Thrash Here
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16.04.2015 - 12:16
Rating: 9
Jagermeister

Thank you
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But don't you ever get lost in Necropolis?
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24.02.2017 - 07:57
ThrashingRage

Great review jager, excellent album too my fave from them, eternal devastation was good also but it didn't have that raw primitive feel to it like infernal did.
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05.10.2019 - 15:50
Gianfredo König

It's a shame really, I don't know the reason why such a talented riffer and soloer would go with such sloppy drum player, where the kick is so offset it sounds like he's playing shuffle blues most of the times. I have nothing to say about the production because earlier works for 80's bands are due to sound kneaded and unclear, but that is actually a virtue if you ask me.
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