I have only heard select songs and recordings from German
thrashers Destruction. For me, comparing the bands re-recorded
songs on Thrash Anthems to the original recordings
is not an option. What I know of Destruction is that they
are a thrash metal band going on 20-plus years of existence.
They are hailed as innovators of the genre and the strength
of their material has allowed them to survive for so long.
The best comparisons would be to American thrash metal bands,
like Testament and Overkill, or fellow Germans Kreator.
So is Thrash Anthems necessary? Why the hell not?
Being somewhat of a perfectionist myself, I completely understand
an artist wanting their work to sound as it was meant to.
And with today's technology, we've seen many bands and record
labels release remastered discs or re-recordings. Recent examples
of this are Anthrax's The Greater of Two Evils, which
featured new renditions of classics with their then current
vocalist John Bush and Dimmu Borgir's Stormblast,
a complete re-recording of the original album released in
1996.
Many fans such usually prefer the original over an update,
partially because you have to go out and buy something you
most likely already have. Thrash Anthems will certainly
not attract new legions of fans but would serve as an introduction
for those unfamiliar with the band. As for those long time
die hards, it's up to you. Think of it as a greatest hits
maybe. The production is that of typical '80s and '90s thrash
albums: what little bass there is sounds somewhat warbled.
Other than that, Destruction has enough menacing riffs, wailing
solos, high-pitched vocals and velocity for any metal fan
to go ape-shit over. The songs are well-crafted, with memorable
choruses not unlike those from the Swedish metal scene. This
is a no-holds-barred album and it's apparent why Destruction
have carried the trash metal torch (or is that a flying V?)
for so long.
This kind of release all depends on personal preference.
The band throws in an added incentive with two new songs to
tide fans over until a new release in 2008. Whether you're
a die-hard or just a curious metal fan, you can't go wrong
with Thrash Anthems. |
