D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. by Destruction
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Release date : August 2008
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
Background information
Review
Background information
D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. comprises the tenth studio full length from legendary German Thrash kings Destruction, a group aiming to show that it lies amongst the central contingent within 2008's Metal scene. The title itself forms a satirical view of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution; from the group's viewpoint, general social behaviour has become increasingly negative, and so Destruction has opted to dub this social trend “devolution”.
On April 21st 2008, Destruction entered Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen to begin recording the album. In mid May, it was revealed that UFO guitarist Vinnie Moore had laid down several solos in support of the title cut. Scheduled in support of the record, a listening party was held on June 6th at Rockfabrik in Ludwigsburg, Germany. On July 8th, the track “V.icious Circle - The 7 Seven Deadly Sins” was made available for streaming via the group's official MySpace page. Midway into that month, it was announced that the song “U.rge (The Greed of Gain)” features guest guitar work by Annihilator mainman Jeff Waters, and Exodus' Gary Holt. All three guest axemen were sent files by vocalist Marcel “Schmier” Schirmer following telephone calls, and cut their respective solos in North America. To plug D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N., Destruction performed on August 15th upon the Main Stage at Bloodstock Open Air at Catton Hall in Walton-upon-Trent, England.
Review
Due respect is finally given to legends upon a global scale, so in light of that, Destruction could easily have rested upon their laurels (which, in penning 2003's Metal Discharge and 2005's The Antichrist, the group did in this reviewer's opinion). Within this specific record, the outfit has chosen not to venture towards that avenue. Beneficially possessing knowledge solely acquired by seasoned veterans, Destruction beat and scrape through ten compositions. The initial letter of each track, as a collective entity, form the acronym which titles the album.
In the vein of modern day Exodus, Destruction immediately outline a dominant stance upon D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.. Heavy music lovers who boast a need for speed should certainly find satisfaction in the likes of “D.evolution” and “E.levator to Hell”, where Schmier's voice resembles a possessed individual. At their very greatest within D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.'s cuts, Schmier's vocal intonations recall both the aforementioned Exodus, and Kreator. In usual circumstances, this reviewer would be hesitant to form such flippant comparisons. In light of Destruction's non-distinct qualities though, using such flippant comparisons in critiquing the group doesn't prove excessively troublesome.
Additional prime tracks, “O.ffenders of the Throne” and “I.nner Indulgence” opt in favour of an evident Rock 'N' Roll ambience. Neither fulfil the dreams of longtime admirers, yet serve to note the fact that this isn't the Destruction which your father happens to remember. Throughout the years, the group has evolved, and both compositions reaffirm this. In a twisted respect, the two tunes capably defend Destruction's evolution. D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.'s lone crushing number, “N.One Shall Survive” is the only genuine blend of old and new in terms of Destruction's sound. Should you be audibly unfamiliar with Destruction's material, you should investigate this specific track to obtain a neutral perspective upon the group's musical stylings. However, D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.'s centrepiece is the triple guitar dominance of “U.rge (The Greed of Gain)”. Featuring contributions from Destruction's 2008 lineup of course, the track additionally features guest guitar work by Annihilator guitarist Jeff Waters, and Exodus' Gary Holt - as previously mentioned. Should you be an admirer of Thrash Metal, then no other reasons to purchase this full length need to be detailed - that is, if the album doesn't already dwell amongst your music collection. In frequent instances, such guest appearances turn extremely awry. Upon “U.rge (The Greed of Gain)” however, it wondrously transpires. Each respective guitarist irrefutably lends an individual sound, yet value remaining faithful to the song itself above all else. The eventual sum closely approaches a Thrash Metal supergroup, as close as listeners are ever likely to hear.
D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. surpasses Destruction's post-millennial material, and will unquestionably be viewed as the group's return to form. From its opening notes to its concluding moments, the album is a solid effort. For much of its duration, this record is a great listen. An underrated group, D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. forms both an excellent introduction and reintroduction to Destruction.
