Band:	Destruction
Album:	Infernal Overkill
Style:	Teutonic thrash metal
Release date:	1985
Guest review by:	Jagermeister

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.