German thrash metal veterans Sodom are proving that age is just a number. With over four decades of headbanging anthems under their belt, the band shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s a dive into what’s keeping Sodom relevant and exciting in 2024:
A Look Back to 1982
Early 2024 saw Sodom unleash a blast from the past with the surprise release of the “1982 EP.” This three-track offering transports listeners back to the band’s formative years in a grimy Essen rehearsal room. The raw energy and unpolished production capture the essence of early thrash, a stark contrast to the band’s more refined sound of today. This EP is a treat for die-hard fans who want to experience Sodom in their most primal form.
Celebrating 40 Years of Hell
In 2022, Sodom commemorated their 40th anniversary with the compilation album “40 Years At War – The Greatest Hell Of Sodom.” This release served as a retrospective of their impressive career, featuring remastered classics alongside a brand new single, “After The Deluge.” The song is a powerful tribute to their late guitarist Uwe Christoffers, showcasing the band’s ability to blend their signature aggression with a touch of melancholy.
Heavier Than Ever: A New Album on the Horizon?
While there’s no official confirmation, whispers of new music from Sodom have been circulating. In an interview with Metalheads Forever, frontman Tom Angelripper hinted at the band crafting their heaviest material yet. This news comes as no surprise considering the punishing intensity of their recent releases, “Genesis XIX” (2020) and the “Bombenhagel” EP (2021). Fans eager for a skull-crushing Sodom experience can likely expect something truly brutal in the near future.
Angelripper has also teased a new album with a blend of 80s vibes and 90s “cool factor,” referencing their mid-90s records “Get What You Deserve” and “Masquerade In Blood.” This suggests a potential return to a slightly more melodic thrash style, while still retaining the band’s signature ferocity.
Live and Deadly: Sodom’s Festival Domination
Sodom isn’t just churning out music in the studio; they’re also tearing up stages worldwide. This summer, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with at several major festivals, including Maryland Deathfest and Mystic Festival. Sodom is also part of the highly anticipated “Germany’s Big Four” tour alongside thrash titans Kreator, Destruction, and Tankard. This legendary lineup promises a night of pure, unadulterated thrash metal mayhem.
Sodom’s Enduring Legacy
Sodom’s influence on the metal scene cannot be overstated. Pioneers of German thrash, they helped lay the groundwork for a genre that continues to inspire bands today. Their relentless energy, anti-war themes, and in-your-face attitude have resonated with generations of headbangers.
Whether it’s revisiting their early days with the “1982 EP,” reliving their classics on “40 Years At War,” or eagerly awaiting a potential new album filled with sonic devastation, Sodom continues to offer something for every thrash enthusiast. With upcoming festival appearances and a relentless creative spirit, one thing is certain: Sodom’s reign of thrash metal terror is far from over.
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