"Sentence of Death" is the first official album by the German Thrash metal band: Destruction .
This release has a label with two colors ( light blue and white )
Released in 1984, Destruction's "Sentence of Death" EP stands as a raw and ferocious cornerstone in the nascent Teutonic thrash metal scene. This 12" vinyl release not only marked the band's debut but also foreshadowed the sonic brutality that would define their career and influence countless bands in the genre.
Historical Context
The early 1980s was a fertile time for heavy metal, with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and the burgeoning thrash movement in the United States paving the way for a new generation of extreme music. In Germany, a parallel scene was emerging, with bands like Destruction, Sodom, and Kreator forging their own unique brand of thrash, characterized by raw aggression, blistering speed, and dark, apocalyptic themes.
Musical Exploration
"Sentence of Death" is a six-track EP that clocks in at just over 20 minutes, but its impact is undeniable. The opening track, "Intro (Total Desaster)," sets the tone with its ominous atmosphere and distorted guitars, leading into the relentless assault of "Black Mass." The EP showcases the band's early sound, a raw and unpolished blend of thrash, speed metal, and punk influences.
The songs are characterized by their breakneck tempos, aggressive riffing, and Schmier's distinctive shouted vocals. While the production is rough around the edges, it perfectly captures the raw energy and fury of the band's live performances. The lyrics are dark and violent, touching on themes of war, death, and social decay, reflecting the angst and frustration of youth in a divided Germany.
Production and Personnel
"Sentence of Death" was recorded at Caet Studio in Berlin, a city still divided by the Berlin Wall at the time. The album was produced by the band themselves, with Horst Müller serving as engineer. The production, while basic by today's standards, perfectly captures the raw energy and intensity of the band's performance.
The lineup for "Sentence of Death" consisted of Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer on vocals and bass, Mike Sifringer on guitars, and Tommy Sandmann on drums. This core trio would go on to become one of the most influential and enduring lineups in thrash metal history.
Album Fact Sheet: DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death |
Music Genre: Heavy Metal |
Album Production Information: The album: "DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death" was produced by: Wolfgang Eichholz Wolfgang Eichholz is from Germany doing production, engineering and also a musician. Notable he has been producer of several "Destruction" records and has worked with many European Heavy Metal bands during 1984-1988. Some of these bands include: Black Tears, Crack Jaw , Damien, Destruction , Sodom , Sortilège Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Horst Müller Horst Mueller - a sound engineer from Germany and has engineered the records of several German Metal bands, notable Destruction, Running Wild, Warrant and the Swiss Celtic Frost band, as well as many others. He has used several different aliases/pseudonyms, aliases used by Horst Mueller include: Horst "Hoddle" Muller, Horst H.I.F. "The Crazy Frog" Muller, Horst "The Only One" Muller, "Mad" Horst Muller This album was recorded at: Caet Studio, Berlin, Germany, September 1984. Caet Studios In the world of music, certain studios hold an iconic status due to their rich history and the multitude of talented artists who have graced their halls. One such studio is Caet Studios, located in the vibrant city of Berlin, Germany. Renowned for its exceptional sound recording capabilities, Caet Studios has become synonymous with the German Heavy Metal scene, serving as a creative hub for numerous influential bands during the 1980s. The 1980s marked a golden era for Heavy Metal music, with the genre reaching new heights of popularity and cultural significance. German Heavy Metal bands, in particular, emerged as a force to be reckoned with, capturing the attention of both domestic and international audiences. Among these bands were Celtic Frost, Running Wild, and Destruction, who utilized Caet Studios as their creative sanctum. Celtic Frost, a pioneering group in the Extreme Metal subgenre, left an indelible mark on the music world with their groundbreaking albums. Caet Studios served as the birthplace of their magnum opus, "To Mega Therion," released in 1985. The studio's pristine acoustics and state-of-the-art equipment allowed Celtic Frost to craft a sound that was as dark and atmospheric as their lyrical themes. Songs like "Circle of the Tyrants" and "Necromantical Screams" resonated with fans and established Celtic Frost as one of the most innovative and influential Metal bands of their time. Running Wild, known for their pirate-themed anthems and energetic live performances, also found solace within the walls of Caet Studios. Their album "Under Jolly Roger," released in 1987, solidified their status as a leading force in German Heavy Metal. Caet Studios provided Running Wild with the ideal environment to capture their raw energy and intricate instrumentation, resulting in a record that showcased their trademark blend of speed and melody. Tracks like the eponymous "Under Jolly Roger" and "Raise Your Fist" became instant classics and continue to resonate with fans to this day. Destruction, a band synonymous with the German Thrash Metal movement, sought refuge in Caet Studios to unleash their sonic assault. Their album "Infernal Overkill," released in 1985, epitomized the aggression and intensity that characterized the Thrash Metal genre. With Caet Studios' expertise, Destruction meticulously crafted a sonic landscape that showcased their breakneck speed and razor-sharp riffs. Tracks like "Total Desaster" and "Bestial Invasion" became anthems for the thrashing masses, solidifying Destruction's position as one of the genre's titans. While Celtic Frost, Running Wild, and Destruction are just a few of the notable bands that graced Caet Studios during the 1980s, countless others followed suit. The studio's reputation for excellence attracted a multitude of emerging and established Heavy Metal acts, all eager to harness the power of its remarkable acoustics and cutting-edge recording equipment. Caet Studios became a pilgrimage site for musicians, offering a sanctuary where creativity and sonic innovation thrived. Beyond its technical prowess, Caet Studios fostered a sense of community within the German Heavy Metal scene. Bands not only shared the same recording space but also collaborated and inspired one another, pushing the boundaries of the genre. The legacy of Caet Studios extends beyond the music it helped create, representing a pivotal era in German Heavy Metal history and leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape. Album cover design: Detlef Schmidt Album cover photography: Joachim Peters Schnee Joachim Peters Schnee - Photographer of "Crack Jaw" and all Destruction albums from 1984 until 1988. |
Record Label Information: Steamhammer SH 0020 |
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 10 November 1984 Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death" |
Album Back Cover Photo of "DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death" |
Inner Sleeve of "DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death" Album |
Photo of "DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death" Album's Inner Sleeve |
Enlarged & Zoomed photo of "DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death" Record's LabelUsing the marked/"highlighted" rectangles below , you will be able to correctly identify this release of the album. |
Photo of "DESTRUCTION - Sentence of Death" 12" LP Record - Side One: |
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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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- Sentence of Death ( Blue / Green Label, 1984 Germany ) - Sentence of Death Blue/White Label (1984, Germany)