"Eternal Devastation," Destruction's 1986 thrash metal masterpiece, emerged from the crucible of creative intensity with producer Manfred Neuner. Under his guidance, the band sculpted a sonic landscape that defined the genre. Released in 1986, the album's relentless energy, aggressive riffs, and Schmier's vocals propelled it to classic status, leaving an indelible mark on thrash metal history.
In the world of German thrash metal history, one album stands as a testament to the raw and unbridled energy that defined the genre in its heyday—the 12" Vinyl LP Album, "Eternal Devastation," unleashed by the formidable band, Destruction. This second official full-length release not only solidified Destruction's place in the thrash metal pantheon but also left an indelible mark on the global metal scene.
The genesis of "Eternal Devastation" can be traced back to the fervent thrash metal movement of the mid-1980s. Having burst onto the scene with their debut album, "Infernal Overkill," Destruction quickly garnered attention for their intense and aggressive sound. As the band rode the wave of their initial success, they set their sights on creating a follow-up that would not only match but surpass the impact of their debut.
The year was 1986 when Destruction entered the studio to embark on the creation of "Eternal Devastation." Under the guidance of renowned producer and engineer Manfred "Mani" Neuner, the band sought to capture the essence of their live performances and infuse it into the album. Neuner's expertise in the thrash metal realm proved instrumental in shaping the sonic landscape of "Eternal Devastation."
The recording process was a crucible of creativity and intensity, with Destruction pushing the boundaries of their musical prowess. The album featured a blistering array of tracks, each laden with aggressive riffs, thunderous drumming, and the unmistakable vocal prowess of Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer. From the relentless assault of "Curse the Gods" to the frenetic energy of "Life Without Sense," "Eternal Devastation" showcased Destruction's ability to craft songs that were not only technically proficient but also emotionally charged.
The album's cover art, a striking visual representation of the chaos within, was crafted by the renowned artist Sebastian Krüger. The imagery perfectly complemented the auditory assault contained within the grooves of the vinyl, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the listener.
Upon its release in 1986, "Eternal Devastation" received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans alike. The album's impact reverberated across the thrash metal community, solidifying Destruction's status as one of the genre's leading forces. Tracks from the album became anthems for a generation of metalheads, and the album itself became a cornerstone in the foundation of German thrash metal.
Production information: Eternal Devastation is the 2nd official full length album released by the German Thrash Metal band "Destruction". It was produced and engineer by Manfred "Mani" Neuner Produced an engineered by Manfred Neuner Manfred Neuner (aka Mani Neuner) a producer and sound engineeer from Germany, during the 1980's he has produced and engineered around two dozen heavy metal albums. Bernd Steinwedel - Mastering Engineer Becker Derouet - Artwork Intervision - Photography Joachim Peters Schnee - Photographer Joachim Peters Schnee - Photographer of "Crack Jaw" and all Destruction albums from 1984 until 1988. Sebastian Krüger - Album Artwork
Sebastian Krüger, a German painter and illustrator, gained recognition in the 1980s for his striking album cover art in the heavy metal scene. His work, blending surrealism and dark humor, defined the visual identity of bands like Destruction, Tankard, and Running Wild. His intense, exaggerated style became iconic in thrash metal history.
Learn more in the Sebastian Krüger biography.
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| Record Label: Steamhammer SH 0046 |
| Record Format 12" Vinyl LP Record |
Year & Country: 1986 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Destruction Eternal Devastation |
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Complete Track Listing of: Destruction Eternal Devastation |
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Destruction Eternal Devastation |
| Photo of Front Cover |
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This is the album cover for Destruction’s Eternal Devastation, a classic thrash metal release. The artwork features a striking, apocalyptic scene where a massive tornado consumes a modern cityscape. The tornado’s core morphs into three human heads, presumably representing the band members, with wild hair that blends seamlessly into the swirling vortex. The vibrant yellows and oranges of the tornado contrast sharply with the dark, ominous clouds dominating the sky, creating a sense of chaos and destruction. The band’s logo, sharp and angular, appears in the top right corner, while the album’s title, in bold red and white lettering with jagged edges, sits prominently at the bottom, reinforcing the aggressive energy of the cover. This art style is a hallmark of 1980s thrash metal aesthetics, emphasizing raw power and devastation. |
| Photo of Back Cover |
The back cover of Eternal Devastation by Destruction features three individual portrait photos of the band members against a black background, each framed in blue with a white border. From left to right, the members are labeled as follows: Schmier: Bass, with a confident stance and wearing a leather jacket and choker. Mike: Guitars, exuding intensity with his arms crossed, adorned with spiked leather bracelets and a studded jacket. Tommy: Drums, standing assertively, dressed in leather with his long hair cascading over his shoulders. The bottom half of the cover provides production credits, a list of special thanks, and various acknowledgments. The credits mention that the album was produced by Manfred Neuner and recorded and mixed in April 1986 at Studio Hilpoltstein. The layout includes additional shoutouts to fans, bands, and contributors, delivered in a casual and energetic tone. At the bottom-right corner, the Steamhammer logo is prominently displayed, emphasizing the band’s connection to the label. The layout design mirrors the era’s thrash metal aesthetic, with its straightforward presentation and emphasis on the band’s raw energy and personality. |
| Photo of Eternal Devastiation's record label |
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The album "Cracked Brain" by Destruction stands as a distinctive anomaly within the official discography of the renowned German thrash metal band. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, it marks a departure from the band's typical sound, primarily due to the absence of Schmier, the iconic vocalist who had been a constant presence in their previous works.
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One album stands as a testament to the raw and unbridled energy that defined the genre in its heyday—the 12" Vinyl LP Album, "Eternal Devastation," unleashed by the formidable band, Destruction. This second official full-length release not only solidified Destruction's place in the thrash metal pantheon
Learn more
Emerging from the burgeoning West German thrash metal scene of the mid-1980s, Destruction's debut album, "Infernal Overkill," stands as a landmark in the genre's history. Released in 1985, the album captured the raw energy and aggression of a band pushing the boundaries of speed and heaviness,
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The release of Destruction's "Live Without Sense" on 12" Vinyl LP stands as a testament to the band's prowess in the thrash metal genre during the late 1980s. This iconic album not only encapsulates the raw energy of Destruction's live performances but also reflects the creative and artistic decisions made
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Released in 1987, amidst the peak of thrash metal's global dominance, Destruction's "Mad Butcher" EP served as a bridge between their earlier raw aggression and their evolving sound. While not a full-length album, this 12" vinyl release cemented the band's position in the Teutonic thrash scen
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The creation history of Destruction's "Release From Agony" is a fascinating journey that marks a pivotal moment in the band's career. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, this iconic record stands as the third full-length offering from the German thrash metal pioneers.
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In the world of thrash metal history, one cannot overlook the seminal release that marked the advent of a formidable force in the genre – Destruction's "Sentence Of Death." This 12" Vinyl LP Album, cataloged as Steamhammer SH 0020, holds a paramount position in the archives of thrash metal,
- Sentence of Death ( Blue / Green Label, 1984 Germany ) - Sentence of Death Blue/White Label (1984, Germany)
