Birth of Malice: Destruction’s Latest Thrash Metal Masterpiece

A Legacy Unbroken

FORMED in 1982, the mind boggles that Destruction is still a going concern all these years later. Considered among Germany’s Big Four of Thrash alongside Kreator, Tankard and Sodom, Destruction rode the wave of the genre’s popularity in the mid-80s until it fizzled out in the 90s. But not once did this band throw the towel in, continuing to show complete belief in thrash metal to overcome all odds.

A Thrilling Return

Lo and behold, it is 2025 and Destruction is still here, throwing devil horns and headbanging like it’s the 1980s all over again! Listening to Birth of Malice is like time stood still as the band continues to pummel listeners into submission in the only way it knows how. Fast, furious, and totally unrelenting, this pedal-to-the-metal all the way.

A Masterclass in Thrash Metal

Released on March 7 on Napalm Records, Birth of Malice is the sound of a band displaying every ounce of experience gained from its 40-plus years of existence. Though the line-up has changed numerous times, the sound never strays from the tried and trusted thrash metal blueprint. Songs about impending nuclear holocaust tied to guitar riffs designed to bludgeon listeners with swift, heavy blows are delivered with precision.

A Band at the Top of Its Game

With veteran thrash outfits these days displaying serious chops as musicians, there is always a sense of masters at work on many of their albums. Birth of Malice is no different as Destruction switches through the gears with consummate ease, taking listeners on a breathtaking ride. The production is satisfyingly full and chunky, with the low end especially solid.

A Legacy Band’s Dilemma

The question is always what do legacy bands such as Destruction bring to the table in this day and age? Like other 80s stalwarts such as Exodus, this band has shown that late-career flourishes are not unheard of. While it may not reach the raw excitement of those 80s classics, there is something to be said about a band just being a solid, reliable outfit. Thrash metal by numbers it may be, but there is little harm in that as it does what it sets out to do – make punters headbang. That, Birth of Malice, achieves in spades.

Conclusion

Long may Destruction and its ilk continue to thrash!

FAQs

• When was Destruction formed?
  • 1982
• What is the name of the record label that released Birth of Malice?
  • Napalm Records
• What is the release date of Birth of Malice?
  • March 7, 2025
• What is the genre of music played by Destruction?
  • Thrash metal