Destruction - Live Without Sense (Steamhammer Recordings)
There lies a controversy whether this was a studio version live CD or an
actual live CD. In either case, this release simply is Thrash Metal
domination! All of the classic Destruction songs featured on here!!!
Destruction never abandoned their Thrash roots and this release is a good
example. Their first few releases ("Sentence Of Death", "Infernal Overkill",
& "Mad Butcher/Eternal Devastation") lacked good productions but there was
definitely some classic tracks on those albums featured here on this live
release which is well produced and executed.
What captivated me was Harry's guitar solo (just him without the rest of the
band) showing his amazing talent executing incredible licks. The drums by
Olly Kaiser are simply pounding with extreme intensity well composed in
synchrony with the rest of the band. He replaced their previous drummer
Tommy Sandmann who was featured exclusively on "Sentence Of Death". This
4-some display some real talent here both guitars (Mike Sifringer & Harry
Wilkens) in great synchrony with each other though the bass guitar by Marcel
Schirmer (Schmier) was not in my opinion loud enough and Olly Kaiser very
solid effort on drums.
Destruction in my opinion has always Displayed original types of riffing and
unique vocals by Schmier with lyrics touching on various aspects such as
religion, depression, and composing awesome "Thrash Anthems" which is
evident on this release. The riffs are not extremely technical if you are a
guitarist you probably like myself take note of this but still original
sounding and excellently executed. On a sour note though this really does
sound like a live studio release than an actual live release with a "real"
crowd. It is well produced and mixed no doubt but the fact that I think it
was recorded in a studio will take some points away from my overall rating
of the album.
But still the track "Mad Butcher" is probably the best overall song they've
ever released from their point of origin till present day (though "Inventor
Of Evil" has some amazing songs on it). Incredible display of both
guitarists in synchrony on the lead to this song (about halfway through it)
Destruction just plain kicks ass!!!
If you are into Thrash Metal with songwriting originality (at least in terms
of the guitar works) this release is worth picking up (despite the live
studio release controversy which Schmier denies that it was a live studio
recording but that it was actually recorded live).
Rating: 7.5/10.