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Destruction (band)

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Destruction
Destruction in 2023
Background information
Also known asKnight of Demon (1982–1984)
OriginWeil am Rhein, Germany
Genres
DiscographyDestruction discography
Years active1982–present
Labels
Members
  • Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer
  • Randy Black
  • Damir Eskic
  • Martin Furia
Past members
  • Mike Sifringer
  • Ulf Kühne
  • Tommy Sandmann
  • Harry Wilkens
  • André Grieder
  • Oliver Kaiser
  • Thomas Rosenmerkel
  • Christian Engler
  • Michael Piranio
  • Sven Vormann
  • Marc Reign
  • Wawrzyniec Dramowicz
Websitedestruction.de

Destruction is a German thrash metal band formed in 1982. They have been credited as one of the "Big Four" of the German thrash metal scene, the others being Kreator, Sodom and Tankard.[3] In addition to helping pioneer black metal,[4][5] Destruction was part of the second wave of thrash metal in the mid-to-late 1980s, along with US bands Testament, Sacred Reich, Death Angel and Dark Angel.[3][6] For most of the 1990s, the band was not signed to a record label and self-produced their albums until they signed a contract with Nuclear Blast in the early 2000s.

History

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The band was formed in Weil am Rhein as Knight of Demon in 1982, inspired by Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate, Motörhead and Venom. The lineup featured Ulf Kühne on vocals, Mike Sifringer on guitar, Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer on bass and Tommy Sandmann on drums. Kühne was kicked out of the band due to conflict with Sifringer over a girl, and Schmier took over vocal duties. They were then known as Destruction and released a demo titled Bestial Invasion of Hell on 10 August 1984. After this, the group signed with Steamhammer Records and released an EP titled Sentence of Death on 10 November.

Their first album Infernal Overkill was released in 1985, followed a year later by Eternal Devastation. The band was joined by a second guitarist, Harry Wilkens, and Sandmann was replaced by Oliver Kaiser. Together they recorded the EP Mad Butcher and their third studio album Release from Agony (both released in 1987), as well as the band's first live album Live Without Sense (1989). During this time, Destruction had enjoyed considerable popularity worldwide, touring relentlessly in Europe and North America, and sharing the stage with Venom, Slayer, Kreator, Sodom, Celtic Frost, Motörhead, King Diamond, Voivod, Exodus, Testament, Overkill, Death Angel, Possessed, Sacred Reich, The Cro-Mags, Tankard, Flotsam and Jetsam, Artillery, Rage, Coroner, Assassin, Candlemass, Prong, Accu§er, Iron Angel, Wolfsbane and Girlschool.[7]

During the initial recording sessions of the fourth album Cracked Brain, Schmier was fired from the band and was replaced by Poltergeist vocalist André Grieder, the only album with him. The album was released in 1990.[8] Guitarist Mike Sifringer remained and continued to release material under the moniker of "Neo-Destruction", featuring vocalist Thomas Rosenmerkel, second guitarist Michael Piranio, bassist Christian Engler and continuing drummer Oliver Kaiser. The first recording was the self-titled Destruction EP in 1994, followed a year later by the Them Not Me EP, and the band's fifth studio album The Least Successful Human Cannonball in 1998.

In 1999, the lineup was disassembled and Schmier rejoined with the addition of new drummer Sven Vormann, returning Destruction as a trio. They signed a record deal with Nuclear Blast and released three new albums; All Hell Breaks Loose in 2000, The Antichrist in 2001, and Metal Discharge in 2003,[9][10][11][12][13] with Marc Reign replacing Vormann. The second live album Alive Devastation was released on 26 March 2003,[14] followed by the release of a live DVD titled Live Discharge: 20 Years of Total Destruction on 4 March 2004.[15][16][17] Reign was temporarily arrested on 24 May 2004 following the band's performance in Brescia, due to the stage accessories, which was confiscated as a result.[18] Destruction would then sign with AFM Records[19] and release Inventor of Evil on 22 August 2005.[20][21][22][23][24] That album was followed by a compilation album titled Thrash Anthems on 19 January 2007, featuring re-recorded material,[25] and the next studio album D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. on 29 August 2008.[26][27][28] The third live album The Curse of the Antichrist: Live in Agony was released 25 September 2009,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35] followed by the second DVD release A Savage Symphony - The History of Annihilation on 29 January 2010.[36][37]

Drummer Marc Reign would leave the band in 2010[38] and be replaced by Polish drummer Wawrzyniec "Vaaver" Dramowicz. On 18 February 2011, the twelfth album Day of Reckoning was released.[39][40] The band's thirteenth studio album Spiritual Genocide was released on 23 November 2012.[41] Their next album Under Attack was released on 13 May 2016.[42] Through an exclusive PledgeMusic campaign, Destruction released the sequel album to Thrash Anthems titled Thrash Anthems II on 18 July 2017, featuring more re-recordings of classic songs.[43][44][45]

Destruction performing in 2017

On 23 January 2018, Vaaver left Destruction "for family reasons", according to Schmier. He took time off in 2015 to be with his family following the birth of his second child. Randy Black would temporarily replace him until the band finds a "worthy successor".[46][47] He was later announced as the band's new drummer.[48] On 28 February 2019, Swiss guitarist Damir Eskic joined the band.[49] This new lineup recorded the fifteenth studio album Born to Perish, which was released on 9 August 2019.[50][51] It is rooted in their traditional style of thrash metal and received good reviews.[52] The fifth live album Born to Thrash was released on 8 May 2020.[53][54]

On 16 July 2021, Destruction performed at the Area 53 Festival in Leoben without rhythm guitarist Mike Sifringer.[55] Schmier explained in a Facebook post that Sifringer had not answered his emails and questioned his status, and that there was a problem that led to the decision to continue without him and would release a statement planned for 19 August.[56] Sifringer's departure was confirmed that day and was replaced by new guitarist Martin Furia, followed by the release of a new single titled "State of Apathy", featuring the band's first recording appearance with Furia.[57] On 13 August, the sixth live album Live Attack was released.[58] On 16 December, a music video of the title track from the sixteenth studio album Diabolical was released. The album was released on 8 April 2022 in celebration of the band's 40th anniversary.[59]

On 31 July 2023, it was announced that Destruction (along with Kreator, Sodom and Tankard) were on the bill for the Klash of the Ruhrpott festival, which took place on 20 July 2024 at Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen in Gelsenkirchen, making this the first time that all of the "Big Teutonic Four" bands had performed together.[60]

On 6 June 2024, the band released a new single, titled "No Kings - No Masters", in anticipation of their upcoming seventeenth studio album Birth of Malice, set to be released on 7 March 2025.[61][62][63]

Band members

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Current

  • Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer – bass (1982–1989, 1999–present), lead vocals (1984–1989, 1999–present)
  • Randy Black – drums (2018–present)
  • Damir Eskic – guitars, backing vocals (2019–present)
  • Martin Furia – guitars, backing vocals (2021–present)

Former

  • Mike Sifringer – guitars (1982–1989, 1990–2021), bass (1989–1993)
  • Tommy Sandmann – drums (1982–1987)
  • Ulf Kühne – vocals (1982–1984)
  • Oliver "Olly" Kaiser – drums (1987–1999)
  • Harry Wilkens – guitars (1987–1990)
  • André Grieder – lead vocals (1989–1990)
  • Thomas Rosenmerkel – vocals (1993–1999)
  • Michael "Ano" Piranio – lead guitar (1993–1999)
  • Christian Engler – bass (1993–1999)
  • Sven Vormann – drums (1999–2001)
  • Marc Reign – drums, backing vocals (2001–2010)
  • Wawrzyniec "Vaaver" Dramowicz – drums, backing vocals (2010–2018)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Destruction discography

References

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  1. ^ Larkin, Colin (1998). The encyclopedia of popular music Vol.2. London: MUSE UK Ltd. p. 1494.
  2. ^ Patterson, Dayal (2013). Black Metal - Evolution of the Cult. Port Townsend, Washington, USA: Feral House. p. 64.
  3. ^ a b "Destruction - Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  4. ^ Lahdenpera, Eda (1995). "Northern Black Metal Legends". Kill Yourself!!! (4): 44. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
  5. ^ McPadden, Mike (2012). If you like Metallica : here are over 200 bands, CDs, movies, and other oddities that you will love. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA: Backbeat Books. p. 74.
  6. ^ "Sacred Reich announces "30 Years of Ignorance" USA tour with Byzantine as support". metalblade.com. 1 May 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  7. ^ "Destruction Tour Dates". metallipromo.com. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  8. ^ "DESTRUCTION - Cracked Brain LP". hrrecords.de. Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  9. ^ "DESTRUCTION: New Album Will Be "Big Improvement"". Blabbermouth.net. 31 May 2002. Retrieved 31 May 2002.
  10. ^ "DESTRUCTION Set Tentative Track Listing For 'Metal Discharge'". Blabbermouth.net. 23 April 2003. Retrieved 23 April 2003.
  11. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'Metal Discharge' Bonus CD Detailed". Blabbermouth.net. 23 September 2003. Retrieved 23 September 2003.
  12. ^ "DESTRUCTION Frontman Slams European Record Stores For Ripping Off Fans". Blabbermouth.net. 11 October 2003. Retrieved 11 October 2003.
  13. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'The Ravenous Beast' Video Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. 27 June 2004. Retrieved 27 June 2004.
  14. ^ "DESTRUCTION Finalize Track Listing For 'Alive Devastation'". Blabbermouth.net. 24 February 2003. Retrieved 24 February 2003.
  15. ^ "DESTRUCTION: DVD Trailer Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. 3 March 2004. Retrieved 3 March 2004.
  16. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'Live Discharge' DVD North American Release Delayed". Blabbermouth.net. 28 April 2004. Retrieved 28 April 2004.
  17. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'Live Discharge' DVD North American Release Pushed Back (Again)". Blabbermouth.net. 26 May 2004. Retrieved 26 May 2004.
  18. ^ "DESTRUCTION Drummer Arrested In Italy". Blabbermouth.net. 24 May 2004. Retrieved 24 May 2004.
  19. ^ "DESTRUCTION To Sign With AFM RECORDS". Blabbermouth.net. 13 January 2005. Retrieved 13 January 2005.
  20. ^ "DESTRUCTION: New Song Clip Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. 28 April 2005. Retrieved 28 April 2005.
  21. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'Inventor Of Evil' Cover Artwork Posted Online, More Guest Appearances Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 9 June 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2005.
  22. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'Inventor Of Evil' Worldwide Release Dates Confirmed". Blabbermouth.net. 12 August 2005. Retrieved 12 August 2005.
  23. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'Inventor Of Evil' Enters German Chart At No. 68". Blabbermouth.net. 30 August 2005. Retrieved 30 August 2005.
  24. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'The Alliance Of Hellhoundz' Video Available Online". Blabbermouth.net. 20 September 2005. Retrieved 20 September 2005.
  25. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'Thrash Anthems' CD Details Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 7 November 2006. Retrieved 7 November 2006.
  26. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.' Artwork Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 7 July 2008. Retrieved 7 July 2008.
  27. ^ "DESTRUCTION: New Video Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. 28 August 2008. Retrieved 28 August 2008.
  28. ^ "DESTRUCTION: New Album Title Track Streaming Online". Blabbermouth.net. September 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  29. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'The Curse Of The Antichrist' Artwork Unveiled". Blabbermouth.net. 3 June 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2009.
  30. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'The Curse Of The Antichrist' Release Date Announced". Blabbermouth.net. 12 June 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  31. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'The Curse Of The Antichrist' Pushed Back To September". Blabbermouth.net. 2 July 2009. Retrieved 2 July 2009.
  32. ^ "DESTRUCTION: First Audio Sample From 'The Curse Of The Antichrist - Live In Agony' Released". Blabbermouth.net. 11 August 2009. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  33. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'The Curse Of The Antichrist' To Receive U.S. Release In October". Blabbermouth.net. 13 August 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  34. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'The Curse Of The Antichrist' Release Party Shows Announced". Blabbermouth.net. 15 September 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  35. ^ "DESTRUCTION: Another Song From 'The Curse Of The Antichrist' Available For Streaming". Blabbermouth.net. 30 September 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  36. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'A Savage Symphony' DVD Trailer Available". Blabbermouth.net. 8 December 2009. Retrieved 8 December 2009.
  37. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'A Savage Symphony - The History Of Annihilation' DVD Track Listing Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 11 January 2010. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  38. ^ "DESTRUCTION Parts Ways With Drummer". Blabbermouth.net. 9 March 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2010.
  39. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'Day Of Reckoning' Album Details Revealed; New Drummer Announced". Blabbermouth.net. 18 November 2010. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
  40. ^ "DESTRUCTION: First 'Day Of Reckoning' Trailer Released". Blabbermouth.net. 22 December 2010. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  41. ^ "Destruction – 'Spiritual Genocide' Out Now!". Nuclearblast.de. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  42. ^ "DESTRUCTION To Release 'Under Attack' Album In May". bravewords.com. 15 January 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  43. ^ "DESTRUCTION To Release 'Thrash Anthems II' Collection Of Re-Recorded Classics". Blabbermouth.net. 22 February 2017. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
  44. ^ "DESTRUCTION: First Trailer For 'Thrash Anthems II' Collection Of Re-Recorded Classics". Blabbermouth.net. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  45. ^ "DESTRUCTION: 'Thrash Anthems II' Medley Available". Blabbermouth.net. 27 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  46. ^ "DESTRUCTION Parts Ways With Drummer WAWRZYNIEC 'VAAVER' DRAMOWICZ". Blabbermouth.net. 23 January 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  47. ^ "DESTRUCTION Drummer VAAVER Explains His Decision To Leave". Blabbermouth.net. 26 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  48. ^ "DESTRUCTION Officially Welcomes New Drummer RANDY BLACK". Blabbermouth.net. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  49. ^ Destruction (28 February 2019). "YES WE ARE A FOUR PIECE AGAIN!…". twitter.com. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  50. ^ "DESTRUCTION Recruits Second Guitarist DAMIR ESKIC". Blabbermouth.net. 28 February 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  51. ^ "DESTRUCTION To Release 'Born To Perish' Album In August". Blabbermouth.net. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  52. ^ Blabbermouth (31 August 2019). "Born To Perish - DESTRUCTION". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  53. ^ "DESTRUCTION To Release 'Born To Thrash - Live In Germany' In May". Blabbermouth.net. 18 April 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  54. ^ "Watch DESTRUCTION Perform 'Curse The Gods' From 'Born To Thrash - Live In Germany'". Blabbermouth.net. 11 May 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  55. ^ "DESTRUCTION Performs Without Founding Guitarist MIKE SIFRINGER At Austrian Festival; Frontman SCHMIER Explains". Blabbermouth.net. 30 July 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
  56. ^ "DESTRUCTION's SCHMIER Says Founding Guitarist MIKE SIFRINGER Has 'Disconnected From The Band'". Blabbermouth.net. 4 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  57. ^ "DESTRUCTION Officially Parts Ways With Founding Guitarist MIKE SIFRINGER, Announces Replacement". Blabbermouth.net. 19 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  58. ^ "DESTRUCTION Announces New Live Blu-Ray, 'Live Attack'". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
  59. ^ Blabbermouth (16 December 2021). "DESTRUCTION Announces New Album 'Diabolical', Unveils Music Video For Title Track". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  60. ^ "'Big Four' Of German Thrash Metal, KREATOR, SODOM, DESTRUCTION And TANKARD, Announce 2024 Festival". Blabbermouth.net. 31 July 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  61. ^ "Destruction - Working On New Material". Metal Storm. 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  62. ^ "DESTRUCTION SURPRISE RELEASE NEW SINGLE "NO KINGS - NO MASTERS"; OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO STREAMING". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. 6 June 2024.
  63. ^ "DESTRUCTION Announces New Album 'Birth Of Malice'". Blabbermouth.net. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
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