Sodom - Epitome of Torture (2013)

One the Germany "Big Three" of thrash metal is back, Teutonic Thrash Metal to be precise. Sodom created many memorable moments from the late '80s that will remained our references when it's come to thrash. So, expected a hellish riffs and machine gun like drumming ahead in their 2013 new album Epitome of Torture.

My Final Bullet come as the first track. The intro build up is promising, then the first verses with that thrashy drumming and all the way climax to the chorus, now Sodom has give us a good start. It's a good opener with enough complexity of structure for the three men thrash band, although in the studio version there are rhythm guitar recorded. Now on second song, S.O.D.O.M. is not a very likely thrash metal song title, but the opening riff is yet another tasty intro to catch up. Tom Angelripper implemented the classic vocal for this song, compared to rather clean in My Final Bullet. Making the almost cheerleader cheering "S-O-D-O-M" quite acceptable to all thrash metal fans. Epitome of Torture back to Agent Orange (their 3rd album and song title, one of Sodom classic release) catchy riff, very classic feel and it's fade away in quick as well. These are three songs that will killed fans who ever doubted in them. Stigmatized got an interesting vocal works by Tom. Jump to Cannibal, this is something 'happier' slap and jump thrash tunes, very groovey to speak about. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow maintained the flow with another thrash and lightning killer tunes. Then Invocating the Demons comes as more melodious approach, it break the flow with different beat, this continue to Katjuscha which is also inserted few bar of melodious intro. In the rest two track in standard edition, Sodom keep the formula well, good riff and good chorus in each songs.

Just like the cover of this album that brutal and 'torturing', the material inside Epitome of Torture is the exact reflections of that. Just like I said in the first paragraph, this is a straightforward riffs, fast drum and a good classic thrash voices by Tom. Their quality comes in the well crafted song structures. That is never too cheesy, or too obscure like having a silent break in the middle of the song, nope, Sodom chained each parts with good logical continuation and that's their attractive points. Considering how long had Sodom been, this album is still on their game. They seems inspired by Kreator success in their 2012 album, and also Overkill and Testament when comes to thrash in general. For now, Epitome of Torture is able to stand side by side to them.

Metal Harem class: ********* nine stars out of ten

Sodom - Epitome of Torture (2013)
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1. My Final Bullet
2. S.O.D.O.M.
3. Epitome of Torture
4. Stigmatized
5. Cannibal
6. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow
7. Invocating the Demons
8. Katjuscha
9. Into the Skies of War
10. Tracing the Victim

Lineup:
Tom Angelripper – Vocals / Bass
Bernemann - Guitars
Markus "Makka" Freiwald - Drums
Record Label: SPV / Steamhammer Records

Germany Teutonic Thrash Metal - Sodom in Epitome of Torture album review