DESTRUCTION – Born To Perish

Founded in 1983, Germany’s Destruction are known as Thrash Metal pioneers.  With their motto of “Faster – Harder – Tighter –> THRASH!!!”, expectations for their 17th studio record are clear. The band states “…this album will be another benchmark in the 35-year turbulent career of the band. The new squad hits hard and we have an amazing chemistry in the band that you can hear on this record!”

Furious drum rolls and machine gun riffing set the tone of the leading title track.  Snarling and sneering vocals further ratchet the intensity. A catchy chorus, interesting tempo changes and intelligent bridges set the bar high for the remainder.  “Inspired By Death” keeps the pedal mashed to floorboard and again features emotive gang chorus vocals. However, unlike the opener, there isn’t much breathing room to punctuate the aggression. This limited use of tempo changes and sophisticated bridges creates a repetition problem for many of the remaining songs.  Songs follow a pattern of high speed drumming, aggressive riffing and hostile vocals; it all struggles to be distinct.

Better songs include “Butchered For Life” which dials the tempo back at the start then gradually adds intensity to good effect.  Effective pacing and an engaging structure make this a highlight track. “Tyrants Of The Netherworld” is the best pure Thrash Metal pick.  It’s Destruction at their Thrash anthem best, forgoing melodic subtlety for direct attack. Simple and relentless; it’s a joyous release of energy destined to start a circle pit.  “Fatal Flight 17” has an excellent core riff combined with substantive lyrics and enough varied song elements to make this track standout.

Born To Perish successfully delivers hard-hitting Thrash Metal sure to generate the autonomic response fans expect from Destruction.  It’s filled with decent tracks that are frustratingly close to being great ones. The highlight tracks illustrate how the band can leverage different song elements to create outstanding tracks.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: 1, 6, 7)

1. Born To Perish
2. Inspired By Death
3. Betrayal
4. Rotten
5. Filthy Wealth
6. Butchered For Life
7. Tyrants Of The Netherworld
8. We Breed Evil
9. Fatal Flight 17
10. Ratcatcher

LINEUP

Schmier – Bass, Vocals & Hate
Mike – Guitar
Randy Black – Drums
Damir – Guitar