Destruction - Sentence of Death ( Steamhammer SH 0020 ) 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Explosive 1984 thrash metal debut with raw riffs rare vinyl details and iconic artwork

Album Front Cover Photo of Destruction - Sentence of Death

Destruction's "Sentence Of Death" (Steamhammer SH 0020), a 1984 thrash metal cornerstone, is immortalized in a 12" Vinyl LP Album. The debut release propelled the German band into metal stardom, blending thrash's ferocity with black metal nuances. With an iconic album cover and relentless sonic assault, it cemented Destruction's status as trailblazers, leaving an enduring mark on the evolving landscape of thrash metal.

"Sentence Of Death" Album Description:

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, embodying the band's early sonic prowess and setting a benchmark for the burgeoning movement.

The year 1984 witnessed the unleashing of "Sentence Of Death," a monumental debut that would reverberate across the metal landscape. Destruction, hailing from Germany, rose to prominence with this inaugural offering, delivering a potent blend of thrash metal ferocity and subtle black metal undertones. The album's sonic tapestry showcased the band's technical prowess, establishing them as trailblazers in a genre that was still finding its distinct identity.

The creative genesis of "Sentence Of Death" can be traced back to the fervent thrash metal scene of the early '80s. Destruction emerged amidst a wave of bands pushing the boundaries of heavy metal, infusing it with speed, aggression, and a rebellious spirit. As the band members – Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer (bass, vocals), Mike Sifringer (guitar), and Tommy Sandmann (drums) – converged their musical visions, they birthed an album that would leave an indelible mark on the genre.

The album cover, adorned with ominous imagery, hinted at the ferocity within. The iconic Steamhammer SH 0020 label stamped on the 12" Vinyl LP signified not just a release but a proclamation – a sentence of musical death to the conventional norms of the time. The choice of the vinyl format, a prevalent medium during that era, added a tactile dimension to the auditory assault, as listeners engaged with the raw analog sound that permeated each groove.

"Sentence Of Death" manifested a sonic alchemy that fused relentless thrash riffs with the darker hues of black metal. The result was a sound that transcended the boundaries of conventional thrash, earning the album the moniker of "Black thrash." Destruction's ability to seamlessly weave these disparate elements into a cohesive sonic narrative showcased a musical maturity beyond their years.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal (From Germany)

Collector Notes / Liner Notes
  • The record labels have different colours on each side. Side One has blue grading into white, while Side Two has green-ish grading into white.
  • The Label Code on the labels is "LC 9002".
  • This is NO Rights Society on the labels.
  • The catalognr on the labels "SH 0020" is the same as on the album cover.
  • The rim-text runs all across the label's rim and is printed in the German language.
Label & Catalognr:

Steamhammer SH 0020 / LC 9002
Published by Jumar Music

Album Packaging

The Original Custom Inner Sleeve has on one side a black and white photo of the three Destruction band-members. The other side of the inner sleeve has the complete lyrics of all the songs on this album.

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1984 – Made in Germany

Producers:
  • Wolfgang Eichholz – Producer
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Horst Mueller – Sound Engineer
Recording Location:

Caet Studio, Berlin, Germany during September 1984

Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Detlef Schmidt – Design

Additional Credits:

Production, Engineering & Art:
  • Producer – 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
  • Recording Engineer – Horst Mueller
    • 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.
  • Recording Studio – Caet Studio, Berlin, Germany

    • 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.

    more...

    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.

Band Members / Musicians:

Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer – Vocals, Bass Guitar

Schmier (real name: Marcel Schirmer) is the vocalist and bass player with the German Thrash Metal band Destruction. He was one of the founding members of Destruction, which he left around 1989 to form the German Metal band Headhunter (not to be confused with the Swiss band with the same name). Around 1999 he rejoined Destruction. Bands he has performed in include: Bassinvaders, Destruction, Headhunter (DEU), and Pänzer (DEU).

Mike Sifringer – Guitar

Mike Sifringer was the guitarist and a founding member of Destruction, known for his sharp riffing and thrash-driven style. As the main songwriter, his playing defined the band’s sound throughout the 1980s and beyond. He remained with Destruction for several decades and is considered one of the pillars of the German thrash scene.

Tommy "Tommy" Sandmann – Drums

Tommy Sandmann was the original drummer of Destruction, providing the fast-paced and aggressive rhythms on the early releases including Sentence of Death and Infernal Overkill. His drumming helped establish the raw and uncompromising sound that placed Destruction among the pioneers of German thrash metal.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Intro
  2. Total Desaster
  3. Black Mass
Video: Destruction - Black Mass
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Mad Butcher
  2. Satans' Vengeance
  3. Devil's Soldier
Video: Destruction - Mad Butcher
Album Front Cover Photo
The front cover of Destruction’s 1984 EP Sentence of Death, showing the three band members outdoors in a dimly lit natural setting. All wear black leather jackets covered in bullet belts, heavy metal spikes, and inverted cross necklaces. Their curly, voluminous hair and aggressive stances embody early German thrash metal’s raw style. The band logo appears in stylized white lettering above, while the album title Sentence of Death is printed in bold white letters across the bottom.

This striking cover captures the raw energy of early German thrash metal. Three members of Destruction stand in a triangular formation, set against an outdoor backdrop of trees and fading daylight that casts a reddish hue over the entire scene.

Each musician is clad in black leather jackets and tight pants, their outfits layered with heavy chains, bullet belts slung across their chests, and thick metal-studded wristbands. Large inverted cross necklaces hang prominently, reinforcing the rebellious aesthetic. Their voluminous curly hair frames their intense facial expressions, with eyes hidden under shadows, giving them an intimidating presence.

At the top, the band’s jagged white logo is emblazoned in bold, gothic-inspired lettering. At the bottom, in stark contrast, the album title Sentence of Death appears in clean white typeface, grounding the chaotic imagery with sharp clarity. The overall effect conveys danger, aggression, and youthful defiance—the essence of Destruction’s debut EP.

Album Back Cover Photo
The back cover of Destruction’s 1984 EP Sentence of Death. The artwork shows a cracked, grey stone slab with charred edges set against a gradient background of light blue fading to black. The slab contains the complete tracklist in red print, listing Intro, Total Desaster, Black Mass, Mad Butcher, Satans’ Vengeance, and Devil’s Soldier, along with timings. Below, the band members’ roles are noted: Schmier bass & vocals, Mike guitars, Tommy drums. Extensive thanks, credits, production notes, and warnings to listeners are written in small red and black text across the stone. The Steamhammer logo sits at the top right corner, and publishing and rights information runs along the bottom edge.

The back cover of Sentence of Death is presented as a weathered stone slab with darkened, burned edges. The slab dominates the design, set against a background that fades from light blue at the top to black at the bottom, enhancing the ominous tone.

At the top of the slab, the tracklist is displayed in bold red letters with exact durations: “Intro,” “Total Desaster,” “Black Mass,” “Mad Butcher,” “Satans’ Vengeance,” and “Devil’s Soldier.” Beneath, the band line-up is credited: Schmier on bass and vocals, Mike on guitars, and Tommy on drums.

Further down, the stone is filled with detailed acknowledgments, thanks to friends, fellow musicians, and influences. There is also a tongue-in-cheek warning to listeners with weak hearts, followed by a declaration of Destruction’s mission: “THEY’VE GOT ONLY ONE AIM. TOTAL DESTRUCTION!” Production details credit Wolfgang Eichholz as producer, Horst Müller as engineer, and Detlef Schmidt for design. Logos, publishing notes, and the Steamhammer emblem appear at the edges, grounding the document in the record label’s identity.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
The custom inner sleeve of Destruction’s 1984 EP Sentence of Death, printed in stark black and white. It features a posed photograph of the three band members with wild, curly hair, wearing black leather jackets, bullet belts, and studded wristbands. The members stand close together against a dark, worn industrial wall, their intense gazes aimed at different directions. A large stylized Destruction logo with a sword and axe motif cuts diagonally across the lower half of the image, partially overlapping their bodies and emphasizing the raw thrash metal aesthetic.

This inner sleeve artwork presents Destruction in a striking black and white photograph. The three band members are arranged in a triangular formation, exuding menace and confidence, their hair wild and untamed.

Each musician is dressed in trademark thrash metal attire: studded leather jackets, thick bullet belts slung across their chests, spiked wristbands, and large inverted cross pendants. The backdrop is a rough, industrial-looking wall, its surface marked with scratches and wear that add to the gritty aesthetic.

Dominating the lower half of the image is the band’s bold logo, emblazoned across a banner-like scroll. Behind it, a sword and axe motif is illustrated, reinforcing themes of aggression and power. The way the logo overlaps the photograph creates a layered effect, merging the band’s image with its symbol, an embodiment of Destruction’s fierce identity at the time of their debut EP.

Second Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
The custom inner sleeve of Destruction’s 1984 EP Sentence of Death, printed in black text on a plain white background. It contains the complete lyrics for all tracks: Total Desaster, Black Mass, Mad Butcher, Satans’ Vengeance, and Devil’s Soldiers. Each song is presented with verses, choruses, and occasional notes like 'solo' marked in the text. At the bottom, a small imprint notes '1984 Steamhammer a trade mark of S.P.V.' and publishing credit to Jumar Music. The layout is clean and straightforward, with lyrics grouped in columns for easy readability.

The second side of the custom inner sleeve is devoted entirely to lyrics. On a plain white background, neat black text is laid out in multiple columns, presenting the complete words to the EP’s tracks: Total Desaster, Black Mass, Mad Butcher, Satans’ Vengeance, and Devil’s Soldiers.

Each song is structured with verses and choruses clearly separated, while instrumental breaks are marked with cues such as “solo.” The text is arranged for clarity, offering fans the opportunity to follow along with Destruction’s raw and aggressive themes. Occasional lines are punctuated with asterisks, giving the page a stark, utilitarian feel.

At the bottom, small-print details include publishing information: “1984 Steamhammer a trade mark of S.P.V.” and credit to Jumar Music. The overall design emphasizes function over ornamentation, providing a direct connection between the listener and the lyrical content of the band’s groundbreaking debut.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close up of Side One label for Destruction – Sentence of Death. The label background fades from light blue to white, with black printed text. At the top is the Steamhammer logo, a stylized metallic hammer with bold block lettering and an eagle’s wing extending outward in red and blue. Below, the track list for Side One is centered: Intro, Total Desaster, and Black Mass, with durations. Catalogue number SH 0020 and Label Code LC 9002 are printed, along with © 1984 and publishing credit to Jumar Music. German rim text surrounds the edge.

This is the Side One label of Destruction’s 1984 EP Sentence of Death, manufactured in Germany on the Steamhammer imprint. Its background fades from pale blue at the top to white at the bottom, making the bold black text clearly legible.

Dominating the top half is the colorful Steamhammer logo: a stylized steel hammer rendered in metallic tones, with block lettering and a vivid eagle’s wing in red and blue. This logo symbolizes impact, strength, and speed — qualities aligned with the label’s heavy metal roster.

The track listing is centrally aligned: “Intro,” “Total Desaster,” and “Black Mass” with their respective durations. Marketing and catalog information include catalogue number SH 0020, label code LC 9002, and copyright ©1984. Publishing is credited to Jumar Music. The rim text, printed in German, restricts copying, broadcasting, and unauthorized reproduction.

German Label
Colours
Light blue to white gradient background, black text, Steamhammer logo in gold, red and blue
Design & Layout
Gradient background with centrally aligned text, company logo at top
Record company logo
Steamhammer hammer-and-wing emblem, symbolizing force and speed
Band/Performer logo
Not included on label
Unique features
Gradient background color distinguishes it from Side Two
Side designation
“Side One” printed left of center hole
Rights society
No rights society listed
Catalogue number
SH 0020
Rim text language
German
Track list layout
Three tracks listed with durations in center alignment
Rights info placement
Right-hand side, below label code
Pressing info
© 1984, Published by Jumar Music, Steamhammer SPV GmbH
Background image
Light blue to white gradient with Steamhammer logo at top
Close up of Side Two record’s label
Close up of Side Two label for Destruction – Sentence of Death. The beige label features the Steamhammer logo with a stylized hammer and eagle’s wing in bold metallic colors. Printed in black text are the track titles 'Mad Butcher,' 'Satan’s Vengeance,' and 'Devil’s Soldiers,' with their durations. Catalogue number SH 0020 and Label Code LC 9002 are present, with 1984 copyright, publishing by Jumar Music, and rim text in German around the circumference.

This label belongs to Side Two of Destruction’s debut EP Sentence of Death, released in 1984. Its background is beige with black printed text and the colorful Steamhammer company logo prominently placed at the top.

The logo itself features a stylized hammer with metallic block lettering, flanked by an eagle wing in vivid red and blue, symbolizing strength and speed. The design emphasizes the heavy impact of the label’s metal roster.

On this side, the track listing includes “Mad Butcher,” “Satan’s Vengeance,” and “Devil’s Soldiers,” with durations neatly aligned. Marketing identifiers are present: catalogue number SH 0020, label code LC 9002, and copyright ©1984. Publishing is credited to Jumar Music. The rim text around the edge is entirely in German, warning against unauthorized copying and broadcasting.

German Label
Colours
Beige background, black text, Steamhammer logo in metallic gold, red and blue
Design & Layout
Central spindle hole, track list aligned center, identifiers placed along margins
Record company logo
Steamhammer hammer-and-wing logo, symbolizing force and power
Band/Performer logo
Not present on the label
Unique features
Different gradient color scheme per side, label code LC 9002
Side designation
“Side Two” printed clearly left of center hole
Rights society
No rights society indicated
Catalogue number
SH 0020
Rim text language
German
Track list layout
Three songs listed in center alignment with durations
Rights info placement
Lower right quadrant, next to LC code and logo
Pressing info
© 1984, Published by Jumar Music, Steamhammer SPV GmbH
Background image
Plain beige with colored Steamhammer logo at top

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