Artist: Destruction
Label: Candlelight Records
Release Date: 10/18/05
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Title: Inventor of Evil Artist: Destruction Label: Candlelight Records Release Date: 10/18/05 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Destruction is one of those bands that are a pain in the ass to review. They are really good at what they do, have a loyal (if relatively small) fan base, and make it hard for you to point out any glaring flaws with regard to their sound. These guys are a classic German thrash outfit that has been knocking out mosh-worthy riffs for quite a long time, and in that narrow field, they always satisfy me. Unfortunately, the simple fact of the matter is that, with rare exception (Overkill being the biggest one), when I'm in the mood for thrash, nine times out of ten I find myself reaching for something that was produced in the 80s or early 90s. Because of this I rarely come back to a record like Inventor Of Evil, and I inevitably feel silly giving it a really high score.
"One word review: Solid." That being said, this album is high quality thrash by any stretch of the imagination. Bottom line is, if you liked Metal Discharge you'll like this. Hell, you might even like this better (sometimes I think I do). Not only does this record have the expected 80s throwback sound and a strong collection of swingin' riffs, it has some kitsch value as well. "Alliance of Hellhoundz" continues the recent trend of 80s bands (latest being Megadeth and Overkill) harping about the old days and/or employing a large number of old skool members to have one big, feel-good, nostalgia-fest.
And while there's nothing wrong with all that, I find myself much more pleased with the new Exodus album. Peter Tagtgren's production is a little too slick for a thrash record, and as a result the album feels a little forced. On the other hand, one could look at it as a little more forward thinking than you're average band of this pedigree. End result is that Destruction have failed to disappoint, but also failed inspire. Inventor Of Evil is a really good record that I'll listen to for the next few weeks, but then into the CD rack it goes. One word review: Solid.
Death's Review:
Destruction are back and sounding just like they should. With no concessions to the musical advancements of the last twenty years, Destruction deliver the mid-80's German thrash goodness like only they can. Seriously, there's nothing "hip" here at all. But that's the point, right? This is retro-style thrash metal, and you know you wouldn't want it any other way. Can you imagine Schmier and Mike running around in 2006 wearing skintight women's jeans, denim jackets with backpatches, bullet-belts, and too-tight retro-Release From Agony tour shirts? Oh yeah, that's right, they probably are. Because 21st Century Destruction is open in its emulation of the band's 1980's peak records. Frankly, many 25 year old kids who are just forming bands today could learn a lot from early Destruction albums such as Sentence of Death (1985), Infernal Overkill (1985) and Eternal Devastation (1986), the Mad Butcher EP (1987) and the criminally underrated (in my opinion) Release From Agony (1988).
"Destruction are back and sounding just like they should." Inventor of Evil kind of lives up to that legacy, at least in part. In some respects it almost exceeds it. The album art, the production and the style all scream retro on this new album, which is at least as successful in recapturing the Destruction vibe of yore as were prior reunion albums All Hell Breaks Loose (2000), The Antichrist (2001), and Metal Discharge (2003). However, I think I like this album a little better than the other comeback albums, because it seems to embrace a bit more of the riffier, crunchier, yet more progressive side of the band, as opposed to the more straightforward, meat-and-potatoes, basic thrash side of things that those other albums were based in. For example, Inventor's opener "Soul Collector" does a nice job of balancing the reckless abandon of neck-snapping thrash with groove a la the Destruction classic "Life Without Sense" and with even a little bit of sonic atmosphere thrown in. The album continues with "The Defiance Will Remain" which pretty much sums things up in title alone but displays some interesting melodic riffing and a whole lot of spirit for a band that's been around this long. Longer, mid-album tracks like "The Chosen Ones" and "Seeds of Hate" are complex, technical, and interesting, and go well-beyond the basic material we've heard from the last three albums. A step in the right direction if you ask me. I'm psyched to see it live.
Overall, Inventor of Evil does a bit more than merely remind the listener that they love the kind of metal best heard in a beer-drenched German field full of metalheads pumping their fists in unison. It also seeks to develop and expand the art a bit in a direction the band hasn't sought to explore in quite some time. Sound good to you? Then by all means check out Inventor of Evil. If nothing else to support the living metal history that the Destruction name represents.
Hel's Review:
Destruction have grown in the two years since the release of Metal Discharge. Inventor of Evil finds the band stretching beyond the traditional thrash boundaries I have always confined them in within my mind. This is a Destruction I'm not sure I've heard before, and I have to say, I like it.
"I get a sense of invigoration from this disc." Now, don't let me give you the impression that this record is a drastic departure for Destruction. Indeed, the album is, overall, much as expected. However, I get a sense of invigoration from this disc, like the band is really hitting their stride again. Sure, maybe I'm making it all up, but I don't have any memories of looking at my player in shock because suddenly "Calm before the Storm" sounds like Destruction is channeling King Diamond. "Seeds of Hate" is a remarkably brutal track, and is another of several tracks that I recommend you take the time to listen to.
At any rate, I think that if you've been onboard with Destruction this far, you're going to enjoy this album even more than you have the past couple. And if you didn't like the band's more recent output, you should still give this one a chance. According to the press release, it is bursting with guest performances, which may account for some of the evolution I am positing. I, for one, hope I can figure out a way to see them when they come around on tour. I urge you to do the same, as they have proven themselves to be a great live band and I’m betting the new material will sound great.
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