REVIEW: DESTRUCTION - Diabolical

 

DESTRUCTION - Diabolical

Napalm Records

https://www.destruction.de/

On the first few hearings, I figured this is going to be another "recycled" Destruction album but it grew on me!  The only founding member left is Schmier as Mike departed from the band after being a founding member for 39 years.  Some of the material on here remind me of 'Release From Agony' as some riffs are similar to that title track way back then.  The album itself is somewhat brutal in the sense of thrash brutality.  It's not as hard as 'Born To Perish', but it still has its highs and lows.  I enjoyed the whole album though despite the fact that it's hit-or-miss with the songs themselves. They really haven't invented anything new.

I still dig Schmier's vocals over the music it's sounding pretty good!  I think that he's the driving force in the band.  They're never going to play another 'Infernal Overkill' or the EP's 'Mad Butcher' and 'Eternal Devastation'.  But the fact that they're still around making music is impressive.  I suppose once you've got the fire it stays and even if it doesn't at least it's relatable at least the anger and fury in metal.  The leads on here are pretty impressive.  They remind me of their old guitarist Harry Wilkens.  Now that guy can shred!  But Damir does a good job on his own ground with some of fury!

The studio recording sounds pretty solid. The fact that Mike didn't show up means that they've done what they can for this album and he's out.  Schmier's comment about Mike not looking healthy is right.  He didn't want to change his lifestyle even at the age of 56.  It's creeping up on him and it's time for the new generation of Destruction with a solid lineup. The whole album sounds solid in respect to its quality.  They really tore it up but like I said not as hard as 'Born To Perish'. Still, it's got some sick riffs and leads.  That being said, they still have time before they hang-it-up totally and retire. I mean Metallica is talking retirement too!

I had to order this one on CD because I enjoyed what they sounded like on here.  There was one cover song by the punk band GHB the final track on the album.  Destruction is showing success in the charts hitting up there!  Amazing, they just released this and it's already soaring!  I'd have to congratulate on another solid studio album!  Wondering about the touring that they're going to be doing.  If you're into thrash or some of Destruction's previous works, I'm sure you'll like this.  Even though it's sort of like I said "recycled" but it still has a long of good songs on it.  Check it out today!

Ryan “Death8699” Fanucchi