SODOM – Decision Day (CD digipak, 2LP + CD + bonus track via SPV)
One of the German Big 4, renowned thrashers Sodom formed in Gelsenkirchen in 1981 and have to date issued 14 studio albums, along with a number of EPs, live sets and a couple of compilations. This, their 15th studio outing, sees founder bassist / vocalist Tom Angelripper still at the helm. Although the only original member, the band are still on blistering form and have influenced many a thrash band along the way (their early sound influencing a more black and death metal leaning).
As ever, Angelripper’s song writing has encompassed biblical themes (‘Caligula’ about the Roman emperor, for example), and also takes in historical events including the D-Day landings (the title track), it’s as well thought out as it is blistering.
Forever the three piece the band play fast and if you like it extreme, this is your bag.
Opener ‘In Retribution’ has a strong and glorious build, a hint of military drumming, before the all-out metal starts. Mid range growls, some precision guitars and bass, the odd roll in the otherwise machine-gun drums, six minutes of solid dark thrash.
‘Rolling Thunder’ keeps up the pace, and the title track has a decent riff too, as well as a suitably darker edge. The aforementioned ‘Caligula’ (I’m sure there’s a minor chord in there) has a great feel – this one stands out as a potential live regular.
There are toes dipped into the dark and deep depths of blackness and death, the growling vocals throughout are balanced by often crisp guitar.
You’ll need a neck brace to appreciate this album. 7.5/10
Joe Geesin
LINE-UP:
Tom Angelripper – bass, vocals
Bernemann – guitars
Markus “Makka” Freiwald – drums
Track List
1. In Retribution 06:14
2. Rolling Thunder 04:22
3. Decision Day 04:03
4. Caligula 04:01
5. Who Is God? 04:35
6. Strange Lost World 04:59
7. Vaginal Born Evil 05:15
8. Belligerence 04:00
9. Blood Lions 03:17
10. Sacred Warpath 05:34
11. Refused To Die 04:27
12. Predatory Instinct 04:44 (Bonus Track)
LIVE 2016:
18.06.D-Gardelegen – Metal Frenzy Open Air
24.06.CAN-Montebello,QUE – Amnesia Rock Fest
09.07.HU-Dunaujvaros – Rockmaraton Festival
13.07.D-Balingen – Bang Your Head Festival
16.07.CZ-Trutnov – Obscene Extreme Festival
13.08.D-Schlotheim – PartySan Open Air
20.08.SK-Zvolenska Slatina – More Than Fest
27.08.D-Sulingen – ReLoad Festival
10.09.I-Milan – Live Club
16.09.D-Berlin – Metal Hammer Awards
24.09.ISR-Tel Aviv – Bascula
04.11.RUS-St. Petersburg – Klub Zal Ozhidaniya
05.11.RUS-Moscow – Klub Volta