Following their 40-year-anniversary tour through South America and Europe, German Thrash-Teutons, Destruction, strike again with their 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7 via Napalm Records.
Band founder Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from dual battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts his drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), Destruction return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs straight from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound - resulting in addictive metal anthems for the next generation of thrashers.
Today, the crushing new single, “Destruction”, has been released and as it’s named after the band, it contains everything Destruction is revered for. This thrash anthem reflects on the band’s legacy, fueled by razor-sharp riffs and Schmier’s relentless vocals. With lyrics celebrating their outcast origins and unbreakable metal spirit, “Destruction” is a tribute to over 40 years of thrash dominance. Get ready for pure sonic mayhem as the Teutonic titans strike again.
Destruction on their eponymous battle hymn: “The crushing song ‘Destruction’ is the perfect opener for this album: it builds a bridge between our old school sound and riffing, including song title phrases from classic Destruction tracks and more shredding & melodic twin lead guitars, that will pinch your brain with its razorsharp leads. The message ‘we are Destruction’ unites us with our fans worldwide and manifests the bond we have together. I see this track in the tradition of a cult song like ‘Curse the Gods’ in the way it is composed - a thrash metal rollercoaster ride galore.”
Watch the official music video for “Destruction” below.
Mastermind Schmier about the video: “We filmed this clip in Sao Paulo Brazil, one of the top-notch capitals of Metal around the globe and a city that means a lot to us as a band. We played here for the first time in 1989 and have returned countless times for amazing concerts, festivals, visits... I feel at home here. Many friends live in this crazy town. I got my first tattoo, the Release from Agony album cover, in São Paulo. We met Sepultura here the first time and the fans are simply mind-blowing. We wanted to catch the energy of a Destruction show and appreciate the faithful fans that breathe thrash metal to the core. Without them we are nothing, the lyrics of this song honor and acknowledge our supporters, they are our backbone, they are Destruction.”
Destruction’s newest onslaught is opened by the brutal “Destruction”, with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band’s 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors - like selfish behavior on “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps”, while stomping “A.N.G.S.T.” delivers shredding guitar solos and flirts with our paranoid instinct, criticizing evil forces who prey on the weaknesses of others. A clear statement is made with carnage on “Scumbag Human Race”, exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus “I will count your days.”. The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging “No Kings – No Masters”. Destruction also shift to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on “Cyber Warfare”. To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker “Fast As A Shark”.
All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. Destruction mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world.
Birth Of Malice will be available in the following formats:
1 LP Liquid Vinyl Green/Red (with booklet and certificate)
1 LP Black Vinyl Bundle (with leather bracelet and bandana)
1 LP Splatter Vinyl Red / Black
1 LP Splatter Green / Black
1 LP Translucent Verde
1 LP Gatefold Black
CD Bundle (with leather bracelet and bandana)
1 Digipak CD (with square patch)
1 Digipak CD
Pre-order here.
Birth Of Malice tracklisting:
"Birth Of Malice"
"Destruction"
"Cyber Warfare"
"No Kings - No Masters"
"Scumbag Human Race"
"God Of Gore"
"A.N.G.S.T."
"Dealer Of Death"
"Evil Never Sleeps"
"Chains Of Sorrow"
"Greed"
"Fast As A Shark"
"Destruction" video:
Find Destruction's tour itinerary here.
Destruction are:
Schmier - Bass, Vocals
Martin Furia - Guitars
Randy Black - Drums
Damir Eskić - Guitars
(Photo - Jennifer Gruber)
