Welcome to another edition of From My Collection. This week, we go back in time to 1985: A legendary year for Teutonic thrash metal. After releasing a pair of utterly demonic demos, Sodom released their debut EP, In the Sign of Evil. Matter of fact, they released two versions of the aforementioned EP, but more on that in a future essay. Meanwhile, Kreator were so young that their parents had to sign their contract with Noise Records. Who knows how history would’ve played out had they not? It wasn’t long after that they released their debut full length, Endless Pain, forging their path as Germany’s premiere thrashers. And as for Destruction, they struck while the iron was hot. Coming off the heels of their 1984 debut EP, Sentence of Death, was their debut full length, and the subject of today’s essay, Infernal Overkill. Join us as we go back in time and feel the power of the “Thrash Attack”.
Destruction initially formed in 1982 under the name Knight of Demon. Although no recordings exist of these earliest days, the band allegedly drew from Iron Maiden and other traditional NWOBHM acts, before shifting towards a Venom influenced sound “in a matter of weeks”. Crazy as this sounds for ’82, it’s entirely possible. By now, both Welcome to Hell and Black Metal were out, so it was only a matter of time before bands of ambitious kids started following suit (Hellhammer anyone?). Come 1983, the band changed their name to Destruction, and by 1984, they released their debut demo, Bestial Invasion of Hell.
A few months later came the release of their debut EP, Sentence of Death, which quickly became an underground cornerstone. Although it was largely a rerecorded collection of songs from the demo, Sentence of Death‘s widespread distribution via Steamhammer in Europe and Metal Blade in America made it a pivotal chapter in the development of black metal. Its unholy subject matter, harsh riffing, and even harsher vocals bridged the gap between Venom and later 80s acts like Sarcófago and Mayhem.
After years of honing their craft, it was now time for Destruction to unleash their debut full length assault, Infernal Overkill. Musically speaking, Infernal Overkill expands upon the blackened thrash of Sentence of Death, while also incorporating elements of speed, punk, traditional metal throughout. There’s also a more refined approach to the production (although not to the point of neutering), as well as the musicianship, which would only grow more technical and proficient with each subsequent release.
Infernal Overkill opens with the no holds barred, full speed blitz that is “Invincible Force”. Little did Destruction know this song would go on to spawn countless worship bands in the decades to come. From Deathhammer to Antichrist, and every other band of the same vein in between, “Invincible Force” is essentially the template for every 80s blackened thrash/speed worship band that has followed. “Death Trap” starts out in this vein as well, before metamorphosing halfway through into a different song entirely. The last couple minutes sees the band showing off their pseudo-virtuosic chops, particularly the guitar-bass interplay of Mike and Schmier respectively. It almost feels like listening to a cut off Megadeth’s Peace Sells a year early.
On “The Ritual”, Destruction slows things to a sinister midtempo crawl reminiscent of Mercyful Fate. Amazingly enough, for as evil as they sound playing at skull splitting speed, they sound even more evil playing this early black metal sound. The lead riff in particular sounds very much like something Darkthrone would’ve conjured up in the early 90s, as does the surrounding atmosphere. Contrasting it is the d-beat ridden side A closer, “Tormentor”. Not to be confused with the W.A.S.P., Slayer, or Kreator songs of the same name, Destruction’s “Tormentor” is largely a no frills blackened thrasher akin to “Invincible Force”, but with an extra punkish attitude.
As we flip over to side B, we’re greeted by a true black-thrash anthem, “Bestial Invasion”. Everything about this song is distinctly memorable and larger than life. It’s one hook after the other, after the other, leaving a hell of a mark. It’s no wonder “Bestial Invasion” remains a staple of Destruction’s live sets to this day. This is followed by the equally memorable “Thrash Attack”, although this one is memorable for different reasons. This instrumental foray showcases Destruction’s ability as songwriters and musicians. It’s not overly complicated. The lead riff is thrashing and mosh worthy, but the technicality within is admirable.
Despite originally appearing on the Bestial Invasion of Hell demo, it’s this version of “Antichrist” that reigns supreme, in all it’s hellish glory. What starts out as another exercise in eerie first wave black metal segues into an aggressive thrasher whose raw energy has always reminded me of Metallica circa Kill ‘Em All. Appropriately, Destruction saved the longest for last. “Black Death” is a blackened thrash epic of sorts. The riffing is all over the place, and even when it does settle for a more traditional or black metal approach, the thrash component remains ever present. What can I say? This is thrash for moshing around a flaming pentagram in a desolate forest.
From here, Destruction’s impact would only grow larger. 1986 saw them shed nearly all of their black metal leanings in exchange for a straightforward thrash sound on their follow up LP, Eternal Devastation. 1987 saw the release of the Mad Butcher EP, as well as LP #3, Release from Agony, which doubled down upon the technical and progressive leanings displayed earlier. Needless to say, it was a quick rise to the top for Destruction, and although their throne has been tested many a time, whether through personnel change or inconsistent latter day releases, it was Infernal Overkill that forever cemented Destruction as blackened thrash gods, now and forever.