SODOM
Genesis XIX
SPV/Steamhammer
Last year was one for the record books. For many it was a year of sorrow and sadness while for few it was blissful and for some it was both a combination of the best and worst year they’ve ever had. One thing that helped us keep our heads up was many of the outstanding releases that came out. The influx of old school bands that released material that was over the top really helped as well. Now for a band to stay undisputed and consistent for nearly 40 years should easily demonstrate to you what it means to be a lifer. Sixteen albums deep and labeled as part of the covenant Big Teutonic (German) Four and leaders of Thrash Metal from the awe-inspiring German Thrash scene, SODOM should be a household name and with their latest release that came out back in November titled GENESIS XIX really shows that there is no evidence of slowing down.
Since their debut EP and full length from the mid-80’s, SODOM had quickly made a name for itself going above and beyond the walls of their home country, Germany despite a rough road in their first decade wrought with line-up changes. All that has led up to their latest release GENESIS XIX that contains the fire that has burned in them all these years. With the return of Guitarist Frank Blackfire from the AGENT ORANGE (’89) Days, the addition of Yorck Segatz who contributed guitar on the last few EPs and the newest member drummer Toni Merkel making his full-length debut here, vocalist/bassist Tom Angelripper now had the formula to release a new ripper that kept fans eagerly waiting for nearly 5 years since 2016’s DECISION DAY.
Going for 12 tracks (including an intro) GENESIS XIX is part adrenalin-infused thrash and a bit of crossover as theirs is often described. With 2 songs over 7 minutes long, they stretch the boundaries a bit with some great melodic riffs on the title track, while "THE HARPOONEER" is equally laid back with lots of groove as well. The track "NICHT MEHR MEIN LAND" shows off some of that crossover groove we mentioned before and is sang all in their native language. It’s the couple of shortest songs like "DEHUMANIZED" that really shows off Blackire’s shredding return. This new era of SODOM that consists of both new and old members is on display here with tunes that are reminiscent of their trademark sound over the decades. Straight up thrashers like the full opening track "SODOM AND GOMORRHA", "EUTHANASIA", "GLOCK N’ ROLL" and more show what they have always been capable of and that’s keeping the pits going.
It’s no wonder that SODOM is one for the best-selling thrash bands of all time, having sold over 8 million records and a cornerstone of Germany’s version of “The Big Four”, with a dedicated fanbase that spans the globe and given that Germany and practically all of Europe are a huge market for Metal and Rock (upstart bands should take note of this), it’s definitely in par with the American version of the same name. Longtime fans will highly appreciate this latest effort by Angelripper and company giving fans what they’ve always craved. While some don’t appreciate consistency in this manner, those people fall to the waist side because true appreciation comes from those that know what SODOM has been capable of and it shines here on GENESIS XIX. Now more than ever veteran bands are holding their own and showing the new school that there’s still a lot more fight to go and to remain a powerhouse takes more than just the advantage of today’s social network. So call this a comeback album or not, SODOM did not disappoint in returning with a record that could be a favorite for long time fans.
4.0 Out Of 5.0
