Ah, Sodom. This is a band that any true thrasher that is worth their weight in leather and spikes discovered early in their metal journey when looking outside the “Big Four.” With plenty more ferocity than their U.S. counterparts, Sodom has had a tremendous influence on all forms of extreme metal that would come after. For over 40 years, Germany’s thrash metal kings have consistently kept the fists pounding and the heads banging.
Sodom’s 1982 (Napalm Records) EP is a re-recording of some of their earliest, rawest, and rarest tracks. With a new tour on the horizon, Sodom produced this recording with their current lineup. Luckily for thrash purists, this recording shows no signs of “studio magic.” Each song is just as frenzied and filthy as ever. One listen to “1982”, the only new track on the EP, proves Sodom are still on the top of their game with punk influenced riffs, raspy vocals, and sick solos. Once the speed picks up and goes into hyperdrive, pits are sure to explode at live shows.
If you are a Sodom fan, you’re familiar with the rest of the songs included. The re-recordings are still worth checking out. “Witching Metal” and the other classics contain a larger sound and benefited from a slight polish but Sodom walks a fine line with their re-recordings. Luckily for us, this EP proves that Sodom is just as savage as they ever were. This little taste of new things to come has me pumped for their new album and to start making plans to see them live in 2024.
If you don’t already own these tunes in some shape of form, pick this one up NOW. It’s a quick thrash fix that does the trick. For Sodom fans, this EP is worth checking out for the new track “1982” alone.
Buy The EP here:
9 / 10
ANDREW RISCH