Sodom, The Final Sign of Evil

How bad ass would it be if Sodom re-recorded their classic 1984 EP In The Sign of Evil? Now how freaking cool would it be if they got that release’s original line-up back together for just such an occasion? Well, that’s exactly what the thrash metal legends have done. Bringing back Grave Violator on guitar and Chris Witchhunter on drums, Sodom have re-recorded that epic album and thrown in a few (7 to be exact) unreleased tracks that were written back in the band’s beginning.

What really makes this release for me, is its production. It’s not polished like today’s albums. It’s raw and gritty, just like the album would sound had it been recorded back in the early eighties. The band’s webmaster of all people is the genius behind the album’s sound. First popping in the disc, I was immediately flooded with memories of first listening to Sepultura’s Morbid Vision/Bestial Devastation combined EP. That raw, recorded in a basement feel brought back an enthusiasm for metal that I had either lost or forgotten.

So, for those of you that weren’t lucky enough to have heard the early EP in it’s original state, this re-recording is as true to form as you can get. It will invoke images of old school thrash like no other album this year.

The Sin of Sodom
The album starts out with a bonus track of previously unreleased material. I love the production on this disc! Galloping riffs and pounding drums are prominent through this track. The vocals are guttural and range smoothly in pitch — not too mention just plain evil.

Blasphemer
“Blasphemer” is the first re-recorded song on the album. The opening riff rocks pretty damned hard. I could do without the cheesy laughter added in, but it gives a more timely feel to the track. Fast paced and violent, this one explodes from the speakers.

Bloody Corpse
This song just epitomizes early 80’s thrash. Fast paced, sick solos, pounding drums and cheesy lyrics. I love it!

Witching Metal
One bad ass riff starts this one off before being engulfed with thrashing drums and gruff vocals. If this song doesn’t bring back memories for you older metal heads out there, I don’t know what will. There’s a nice, but brief solo at the 1:40 mark.

Sons of Hell
Here’s another bonus track. I like the way the band alternated re-recorded tracks with the previously unreleased songs. It makes for a more cohesive flow. This one has a galloping, memorable opening riff and creative drumming. It’s a bit slower paced and darker than the previous tracks.

Burst Command ’til War
There’s more thrash goodness from “Burst Command ’til War.” This could very well be one of the quickest songs on the album. I’m going to need some Ibuprofen after this album to deal with a sore neck form all this head banging.

Where Angels Die
Military style drums start off this next “bonus track” as the guitar fades in. This has Slayer written all over it.

Sepulchral Voice
This one starts slowly before erupting into driving drums and gut wrenching riffs. There’s plenty of Satan thrown into this one. Sacrifice a goat and rock the hell out!

Hatred of The Gods
The first of two bonus songs back to back starts off with some decent riffing. The vocal delivery is a bit more guttural on this one. I love the chorus as well. It’s easily something you can growl along with.

Ashes to Ashes
“Ashes to ashes” starts with thundering drums and thick riffs. It’s got a bit more complex structure to it and is quite memorable with the chorus.

Outbreak of Evil
“Outbreak of Evil” is the last of the re-recorded tracks with a beginning that sounds like it’s straight from the bowels of hell itself. More driving drums kick in driving your soul from your body and chasing it straight to the devil.

Defloration
The final track on The Final Sign of Evil is another unreleased song. It’s got more creative drumming and galloping riffs. The stop/go tempo changes are a nice addition and probably would have served better early on the disc to help break up the driving thrash momentum. Either way, it’s one hell of an evil track and a great one to end the disc on.

~ ~ ~

I can’t seem to get enough of this album. It’s classic thrash metal with a production sound you would expect from the early 80’s. Besides, it’s just too damned much fun to listen to.

Favorite Tracks:
All of them.

Additional Notes:
N/A