"Mad Butcher," the first song of the album, is a Destruction classic, but this revision is faster, with double solos from Harry and Mike. The second song "The Damned" is a cover song from The Plasmatics. The third song "Reject Emotions" is a thrash ballad. Finally, "The Last Judgement" is an instrumental song played by Harry.
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 scene and showcased their evolving musicality.
Historical Context
By 1987, thrash metal had firmly established itself as a major force in heavy music. The "Big Four" (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax) were at their peak, and countless bands worldwide were following in their footsteps. In Germany, Destruction had already released two critically acclaimed albums, "Infernal Overkill" and "Eternal Devastation," solidifying their place alongside Sodom and Kreator as leaders of the Teutonic thrash movement.
Musical Exploration
"Mad Butcher" is a four-track EP that clocks in at just under 18 minutes, but it packs a punch. The title track, a re-recording of a song from their debut album, is a ferocious thrash anthem with lightning-fast riffs, pummeling drums, and Schmier's signature aggressive vocals.
The EP also features a cover of The Plasmatics' "The Damned," showcasing Destruction's ability to put their own spin on another band's material. "Reject Emotions" is a slower, more melodic track that hints at the band's future exploration of different styles. The instrumental "The Last Judgement" highlights the band's technical proficiency and features a blistering guitar solo by new member Harry Wilkens.
Production and Personnel
"Mad Butcher" was recorded at Karo Studio in Münster, Germany, with Kalle Trapp handling production, recording, and mixing duties. The production is cleaner and more polished than the band's earlier releases, reflecting a growing trend in thrash metal towards a more professional sound.
The lineup for "Mad Butcher" saw some changes from the band's previous albums. While Schmier remained on vocals and bass, Mike Sifringer was joined by Harry Wilkens on guitars, and Oliver "Olly" Kaiser took over on drums. These changes brought a fresh energy to the band's sound, with Wilkens' guitar playing adding a new dimension to their dual-guitar attack.
Controversies
The cover art for "Mad Butcher," depicting a butcher wielding a cleaver and surrounded by dismembered body parts, caused some controversy upon release. Some retailers refused to stock the album, and it was banned in several countries. However, the artwork has since become iconic in the metal community, symbolizing the band's uncompromising attitude and their willingness to push boundaries.
Music Genre: Thrash Metal Music |
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Album Production Details: Album cover artwork by: Sebastian Krüger Sebastian Krüger a German Illustrator who has (during the 1980s) drawn around two dozen of album covers for bands like: Destruction, Risk, Sodom, Tankard, Running Wild. Album Produced by Kalle Trapp Kalle Trapp is a highly skilled and accomplished musician, sound engineer, and music producer hailing from Germany. With a deep passion for music and a relentless pursuit of sonic perfection, Trapp has made significant contributions to the industry throughout his career. Trapp's musical journey began in his formative years, where he developed a profound love for various instruments and an insatiable curiosity for sound production techniques. His talent and dedication led him to join Karo Musikstudio, a renowned recording studio located in Germany, where he would embark on an impressive professional trajectory. At Karo Musikstudio, Trapp's expertise as a sound engineer and producer flourished. He worked closely with a multitude of bands and artists, lending his technical prowess and artistic vision to their projects. His keen ear for detail and commitment to excellence earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional audio quality and innovative production techniques. Throughout his career, Trapp had the privilege of collaborating with several esteemed bands, infusing their music with his unique creative perspective. He has been working for albums of "Angel Dust", "Blind Guardian", "Destruction", "Iron Angel", "Mad Max", Paganini, Paradox, Pestilence, Samain, Saxon, Sortilege and many others bands he has worked with include: 1. Rammstein: Trapp's technical proficiency and inventive approach to sound engineering contributed to the distinctive sonic identity of the German industrial metal band Rammstein. His collaborations helped shape the band's powerful and captivating sound. 2. Scorpions: Trapp's skills as a sound engineer and music producer were instrumental in his collaborations with the iconic German rock band Scorpions. He worked closely with the band to capture their energetic performances and enhance the impact of their music. 3. Tokio Hotel: Trapp's collaboration with the German pop-rock band Tokio Hotel showcased his ability to capture their unique sound and bring it to life in the studio. His contributions as a producer played a crucial role in the band's success. 4. Silbermond: Trapp's technical expertise and meticulous attention to detail were in high demand during his work with the German rock/pop band Silbermond. He played a vital role in shaping their sound and ensuring a polished and captivating sonic experience for their listeners. 5. Wir Sind Helden: Trapp's collaborations with the German indie rock band Wir Sind Helden highlighted his versatility as a producer. He skillfully captured the band's alternative rock sensibilities, contributing to their distinctive and engaging sound. Kalle Trapp's extensive work as a musician, sound engineer, and music producer at Karo Musikstudio has solidified his position as a respected figure in the industry. His dedication, technical expertise, and ability to adapt to different musical genres have made him a sought-after professional in the German music scene and beyond. Beyond his collaborations with renowned bands, Trapp has also pursued solo projects, where he showcases his own musical compositions and production work. His solo endeavors reflect his diverse influences, innovative production techniques, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of conventional music. |
Record Label: Steamhammer SH 0062 |
Record Format: 45rpm 12" Mini-LP / EP |
Year & Country: 1987 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Destruction Mad Butcher |
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Track Listing of: Destruction Mad Butcher |
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Album cover photos of : Destruction Mad Butcher |
| Photo of Front Cover |
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| Photo of Destruction's band members: Schmier, Harry and Olly on the album cover |
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Photo of Record Label
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
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