Destruction: Diabolical

One of the most important and long lasting members of the original thrash metal fraternity are the mighty Germans, Destruction and on this their 15th studio album, Diabolical, the band is also celebrating their 40th anniversary. Having a legacy that puts them, deservedly, alongside other German thrash legends like Sodom and Kreator, their place in metal history is already cemented. So with all that being said, do Destruction still have anything to offer, this deep into their long career?

Diabolical opens with the moody and militaristic feel of “Under The Spell� before unleashing the thrash attack on the title track which opens with heavy riffing and Schmeir doing a falsetto shriek. The song, while retaining the classic thrash aggression, also manages to incorporate some cool melodic elements that just brush up against the power metal sound without falling across the line. Here we get the first of many tasty solos as well and it’s all super cool. A great start to the album. “No Faith In Humanity� bludgeons in even heavier and faster and it’s cool to see that after 40 years their energy levels haven’t diminished. Again the melodic element is present and again the catchiness is welcome and cool. Schmeir is still sounding unique and nasty and his delivery has always been badass and entertaining and that hasn’t changed. I love how “Repent The Sins� kicks off with a short call and response style riff between the bass and the guitars of Martin Furia and Damir Eskić…very cool stuff. “Hope Dies Last� also comes in swinging with some great drumming from Randy Black and a great shred intro from the guitars. Again the catchiness is there, and while the playing is still just as fast and fierce, this catchiness, in many ways has somewhat replaced the brutal savagery of their earlier career, however it feels more like a natural progression than any kind of stepping off the gas. “The Last Of A Dying Breed� is built around some great riffing and again the energy level is set to high throughout. Another Schmeir falsetto scream opens the belter “State Of Apathy� which continues the standard layed out previously. “Tormented Soul� brings in a mid-paced thrasher into the mix, which is somewhat of a respite from the onslaught but perhaps doesn’t quite have the same ‘going for the jugular’ feel without the ripping speed. Also it has a bit of that 90’s thrash feel about it, which I’m not crazy about. But it’s still a pretty strong track nonetheless. “Servant of The Beast� works quickly to return the band to the full speed attack and it’s handled like the pros these guys are. Fast and savage. “The Lonely Wolf� opens with a riff as heavy as ten ton balls, and then once again delivers the catchiness and power, with some tasty dual guitar lines, killer stuff. “Ghost From The Past� is another full speed attack that is pure face-melting thrash goodness and loaded with some more great guitar playing. “Whorefication� reminds me of a slightly more dissonant version of …And Justice For All era Metallica with a bit of a Coroner vocal edge to it. Cool stuff. And finally the albums wraps up with the G.B.H. cover version of “City Baby Attacked By Rats� and it’s cool and heavy but I’m always happier to have all originals, even if the covers are done as well as this one is.

So to answer my earlier question, I’d have to say most definitely yes, Destruction obviously still has a lot to offer. Diabolical is an album stacked with power, speed and aggression but also with plenty of memorable catchiness. Have they broken any new ground with this album? Well no, and if thrash is not your thing then this probably won’t be the album to convert you, however if you like your thrash fast and heavy with just enough melody to make it catchy then Diabolical is definitely for you and worth your time. It’s great to see these guys going so strong after all these years.

DESTRUCTION Line-Up:
Schmier- Bass, Vocals
Martin Furia- Guitars
Randy Black- Drums
Damir Eskić- Guitars

Diabolical Tracklist:
1 - "Under The Spell"
2 - "Diabolical"
3 - "No Faith In Humanity"
4 - "Repent Your Sins"
5 - "Hope Dies Last"
6 - "The Last Of A Dying Breed"
7 - "State Of Apathy"
8 - "Tormented Soul"
9 - "Servant Of The Beast"
10 - "The Lonely Wolf"
11 - "Ghost From The Past"
12 - "Whorefication"
13 - "City Baby Attacked By Rats" (G.B.H. Cover)

Added: June 5th 2022
Reviewer: Benjamin Dudai
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 686
Language: english

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