Sodom has always had a knack for releasing noteworthy EPs. It all goes back to 1985 with the release of the groundbreaking In the Sign of Evil, a crucial turning point in the evolution of black metal. Their 1987 EP, Expurse of Sodomy, was their last blackened hurrah before they forged ahead with their signature brand of Teutonic thrash. 2018’s Partisan was a return to their black metal roots, while 2019’s Out of the Frontline Trench foreshadowed what was to come on their excellent 2020 full length, Genesis XIX. This brings us to the release of Sodom’s latest EP offering, Bombenhagel.
Named after the punky thrasher off Persecution Mania (1987), Bombenhagel was released to capitalize on the success of the new Sodom lineup. The band currently consists of founding frontman Tom Angelripper, classic guitarist Frank Blackfire, additional guitarist Yorck Segatz, and brand new drummer Toni Merkel. Together, this vicious quartet proves that even the “throwaway” songs from their latest album are stronger than most thrash bands’ main output. They also prove that age is nothing but a number, because despite celebrating their 40th year, Sodom can still deliver intense, unrelenting, merciless thrash.
The EP opens with a cover of, you guessed it, “Bombenhagel”. While nothing can touch the original, this new version is pretty solid. It’s tuned a half step down and boasts more of a black metal tinge than the hardcore anarchy of the original. While “Bombenhagel” is meant to showcase the entire band, the stars of the song are Blackfire and Segatz, who trade chaotic licks in between verses. From the sound of it, they’re having fun while doing so. I’m sure they can’t wait to perform this raucous rendition on the euro fest circuit, hopefully in 2022.
This cover is then followed by two brand new songs, “Coup de Grace” and “Pestiferous Posse”. “Coup de Grace” keeps it simple and straightforward. The riffs are fast and violent, the production is razor sharp, and Angelripper’s vitriolic guttural delivery is devastating. “Pestiferous Posse” more or less continues the thrash mania of “Coup de Grace”. The only thing that rubs me the wrong way about this song is its groovy lead riff, which has less in common with Sodom and more in common with *shudders* Machine Head. Aside from that, it’s another no nonsense neck snapper.
While the world patiently awaits the next Sodom full length, Bombenhagel serves its purpose as a thrashing mad appetizer. Hell, that sounds like it could be a special at TGI Friday’s (“Try our new thrashing mad appetizers!”). Where was I? Oh yeah. Sodom thrashes harder than your favorite thrash band. That’s not an opinion. That’s fact. Because nothing beats the smell of “Napalm in the Morning”.
6 out of 10
Label: Steamhammer
Genre: Thrash Metal
For fans of: Slayer, Kreator, Demolition Hammer