German thrash metal legends Destruction are set to release their sixteenth studio album entitled Birth Of Malice on March 7th. The band’s guitarist Martin Furia spoke with Metal Express Radio about the upcoming album, their upcoming film entitled The Art Of Destruction, their summer touring schedule, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: Destruction are set to release their 16th studio album entitled Birth of Malice on March 7th. What can you tell fans about the upcoming release?
Furia: What I see, Birth of Malice as a natural successor of Diabolical, there’s a lot of speed, melody, twin guitars, lots of right hand action, groove. We explored a little bit more what we started with Diabolical and took it to the extremes. Destruction has to sound like Destruction and I think we did a great job in keeping the essence alive and adding new nuances to still develop the sound of the band further and keep it fresh.
MER: How was the writing and recording process having this being your second album with the band?
Furia: It starts with Schmier coming with bass riffs and ideas and we adapt them to guitars. Then we have total freedom to make our parts and propose arrangements and leads, harmonies, whatever comes to our heads. It is a very dynamic process, a kind of “musical brainstorming” where we are together in the studio and the songs start to show themselves and asking you what to play. We did guitars and vocals in Little Creek studio in Switzerland, then I went to Hannover to Randy’s studio to record drums and then I mixed and mastered the album in my studio in Antwerp, Belgium
MER: How was your approach to your second album compared to your first album with the band?
Furia: On Diabolical I entered when the album was almost finished, so I just recorded my solos. For this one I was also involved in the composition and production and I did the mixing and mastering. It was great to be integral part of the process and I would love to do it again in the future.
MER: Five songs from the Birth of Malice have been released. Do you feel they represent the album well?
Furia: Oh yes! I think each single shows a little glimpse of the whole album. I love all the songs and I’m super proud of Birth Of Malice, all songs are great in my opinion, but yeah you have to choose some singles!
MER: In theaters soon is The Art of Destruction. What can you tell the fans about the band’s upcoming film?
Furia: Well, the premiere will be on March 6th in Berlin, I’m as curious as the fans because I haven’t seen the film yet! I think it’s super cool that we can do this kind of things
MER: This summer, you’ll be playing a handful of Open Air Festivals playing a ‘40 Years Of Infernal Overkill Special Set.’ What are your expectations on the upcoming gigs?
Furia: It’s gonna be a blast! We are preparing a great set for that celebration and the interest is big from festivals and promoters in general. I hope we can present that all over the world and celebrate that amazing album the way it deserves!
MER: What are other plans for the band to promote Birth of Malice?
Furia: We have quite some great Festivals coming in Summer in Europe, like Wacken and Summer Breeze, then there will be a proper European tour and there are plans to go to Asia and Latin America. Destruction likes to play all over the world and I hope this album will make us play everywhere!
MER; Who are some bands that you’d like to tour with in support of Birth of Malice?
Furia: There are many bands I would love to tour with, but I can’t say much because it would kill the surprise!
MER: What’s your favorite place to play live and why?
Furia: Anywhere where fans are crazy, southern Europe is great, Latina America, Asia, amazing audiences full of energy and enthusiasm!
MER: Who are some new thrash metal bands that you follow?
Furia: There many great ones! Chemicide, Howler from Costa Rica, whose i produced their last two albums are amazing! Cobracide, Schizophrenia from Belgium, Nervosa from Brazil, Nuclear and Overtoun from Chile, all awesome bands.
MER: Even though this is second album with the band, Destruction has been around for nearly 40 years. What do you think is the key to being able to play heavy metal for so long and what do you see as some challenges that need to be overcome?
Furia: I think the key is to be happy with what you do and commit fully to your art. Destruction stays true to its essence and we love what we do, we’ll keep playing for as long as our bodies allow!
MER: Anything else you’d like to share with fans?
Furia: Just thank all our fans for the eternal support and I hope you enjoy Birth of Malice, see you all on tour!
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