Album Reviews : Sodom – Decision Day

A long time ago in a lower-middle class Melbourne suburb far away, I was first introduced to the sounds German Teutonic thrash metallers, Sodom. Whilst the majority of impressionable kids at the time were listening to the various flavours of the month (shovelled down their collections throats, and influenced only by the hand of mainstream music programming), feeling disconnected, I took it upon myself to venture out of the contemporary heavy metal sphere and discover the extremities of the genre. Morbid Angel, Kreator, and most notably, Sodom, played a vital role in the influence of music that would channel my disestablishment nature.

While many outsiders see Sodom’s lyrics as hostile and militarist, on closer inspection they’re completely anti-war. The majority of their lyrics paint a rather gruesome picture of what war has become: a profitable business for a select few, and further to its impact on society. Sodom’s early works Persecution Mania (1987) and Agent Orange (1989) set a philosophy of anti-war in motion, which are as distressing and accurate today.

2016 sees Sodom release their fifteenth studio album, Decision Day, onto the world, and as the old saying goes, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it”. While many bands find it a necessity to change their sound and style over the course of their career, Sodom – like Motörhead and AC/DC before them – have found their pocket and stuck to their guns. No doubt a lot of people would find this rather simplistic, yet Sodom have defined their genre; much like the aforementioned in different, albeit minuscule ways. In Sodom’s case however, they have already refined themselves in their earlier years. Breaking away from occultist themes and aiming their sights purely at war and organised religious institutions.

Looking at the album’s artwork, there is a distinct hint of nostalgia – explosions, a deformed soldier, and flags of rival nations just ooze 80s thrash metal fanfare. While many agree that the cold war is over, there is still a bitter rivalry between Russia and America, and if you have been paying attention of late, this rivalry could potentially lead the world into a catastrophic event if both countries don’t calm the fuck down. This is one ideology of thrash metal which has stayed its course since its inception. It’s a genre of music which continually reflects current affairs, namely wars and political themes. The sad thing is not much has changed in global politics over the last 30 odd years, and looking at the album’s artwork, one could be mistaken that this album is a product of the early 80s.

The new album is pure Teutonic thrash metal. Nothing more, nothing less. If you’re expecting something wholly different, then I’m sorry to burst your bubble: thrash metal isn’t the kind of music genre that breaks new ground. Thrash metal has survived the last 30 years because is hasn’t abandoned its core fundamentals. The album is filled with plenty of great chugging riffs, as well as vocals; the majority of which heed back to the black metal days of In the Sign of Evil (1984).

If you’re accustomed to Sodom’s broad discography – and even take a fancy to the band’s recent releases, In War and Pieces (2010) and Epitome of Torture (2013) – then your ears will no doubt find comfort listening to Decision Day.

Decision Day is out now via SPV / Steamhammer. Grab your copy HERE.

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