Year: 2020
Total Time: 54:49
Label: SPV/Steamhammer
I recall an interview of SODOM’s mastermind, Tom Angelripper, given a few years ago, in which he declared that the Germans would remain forever a three-member band, as his favorite bands VENOM and MOTORHEAD did. However, a few years later (more specifically in 2018), Tom disproves himself as he completely changes the line-up, making SODOM a four-member band. Personally, I watched with great surprise and disbelief this line-up changes, even though I was thrilled with Frank Blackfire’s return. Disbelief that the Germans subsequently have erased with the release of their two excellent EPs “Partisan” and “Out Of The Frontline Trench” in 2018 and 2019 respectively, while the announcement for a new album in 2020 raised our expectations. So, we arrive in November 2020 and the judgement day for the new album “Genesis XIX” by the Thrash veterans!
After the short intro song “Blind Superstition”, a Thrash Metal storm begins with “Sodom & Gomorrah” and “Euthanasia” which musically travel us to the days of the titanium “Agent Orange”, increasing our expectations for the rest of the album. A strong continue comes with the self-titled track while in “Nicht Mehr Mein Land” that follows, blast beats alongside with the first worrying signs of “mediocrity” make their appearance. But, having already heard three great compositions with eight more remaining, you overlook these signs by believing that the rest of the record will compensate you. A thought that will be proved wrong, as the Germans disprove us with the rest of the songs.
I really wonder how Angelripper and Blackfire included on the album compositions such as “Glock ‘n’ Roll”, “The Harpooneer” and “Dehumanized” as they are quite moderate and are no different from songs that are being written by several Thrash Metal bands out there. Continuity in mediocrity with the mid-tempo “Occult Perpetrator” and “Waldo & Pigpen”, two songs like dozens of SODOM’s past years compositions while the “Indoctrination” that follows, with its punk/hardcore influences, is completely indifferent. The album closes with the explosive “Friendly Fire”, which is one of record’s best songs. Its blast beat and awesome breakdown leaves us with a sweet feeling at the end.
SODOM with their new album take us musically and synthetically (unfortunately not qualitatively), back to their roots. The record is full of energy and Thrash rage, but most of the compositions are moderate for the size of the band.
Rating: 6/10
Label: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: SODOM – Official Page
