Sodom and Gomorrah! Yes, since the mid 80’s we haven’t heard a song with this title on. Doesn’t matter if you label them as death or teutonic, the groove of the song captures you since the beginning and Sodom deliver the message clearly, loudly, travelling in time with the name and the thrashy tunes, now in a new album.
Still in Ruhr, the germans sing their brutal tunes in English, to appeal more to the hardcore fans who will love this upcoming effort! It’s fast, angry, a soundtrack for the Wall of Death fans who can’t wait to see Sodom again live.
“Blind superstition” is the instrumental that only gives you an idea on how it will sound like…and it sounds great! Tom sings even better than before, in what they entitled “Genesis”, still referring to Bible passages, especially their views on what Sodom and Gomorrah was about. That’s why it’s not only a thrash record to headbang with, it’s more than that, if you look at the lyrics. But not as the different styles of the current members melt to give you a new album that won’t disappoint any of the fans.
“Euthanasia”, one of the tracks, might remind you of something back from the 90’s but it’s way different, it goes to the extreme of what can make you unable to attend another concert after you hear this, due to exhaustion, extreme exhaustion, you bet on that !
Having influenced the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Obituary and Morbid Angel, they come in 2020 with a newly format but not losing the roots of what Sodom represents in metal. The changing tempos in “Genesis XIX”, especially the middle section, make the title track a favorite of who will rush to buy it.
Yorck is beautifully integrated in a band where the 80’s art of Angelripper and Frank Gostzik can produce great music, with a young Toni Merkel behind the drums. “Nicht meir mein Land”….german, isn’t it? Yes, in this album you will hear thrash in german! “Occult Perpetrator” might as well be a horror movie soundtrack, with an intro that is impossible not to love!
Joe Petagno, famous for doing Motorhead covers, is responsible for the art work of a 12 song cut-throat album that deals with Tom’s point of view that includes biblic stories and nowadays reality.
The closure comes in the shape of a fire, friendly, suggesting a huge metal gathering to celebrate it! Next year, after you’ve enjoyed it with no headphones on but speakers blown out, Sodom will rock your very soul in any of the tour dates that will be soon announced. And until then, stay wild!
7/10
TRACKLIST
Blind Superstition
Sodom & Gomorrha
Euthanasia
Genesis XIX
Nicht mehr mein Land
Glock’n’Roll
The Harpooneer
Dehumanized
Occult Perpetrator
Waldo & Pigpen
Indoctrination
Friendly Fire
