This thrash metal renaissance hit me like a revelation. This disc never lets up! You'll be hit with such relentless speed and obnoxious attitude, you will be convinced that the last fifteen years or so were just a terrible dream.

The highlight of the record HAS to be the third track "The Alliance of Hellhoundz." Paul DiAnno, Biff (SAXON), Doro, Shagrath DIMMU BORGIR), Speed (SOILWORK), Messiah (CANDLEMASS), Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL), Peavy (RAGE), Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY/PAIN) all contribute to this landmark track of metal glory. With an all-star assemblage of metal titans of this caliber, the usually irritating usage of "z" instead of "s" is completely forgiven.

That's not to say that the band can't stand and deliver on it's own without having to rely on guest stars. Lead-off track "Soul Collector" blisters along at a pace that dudes their age have no right maintaining. They haven't lost an inch in the chops department, that's for certain. Blazing double bass drumming from Marc can be found all over the whole disc. Guitarist Mike shows off some exotic, eastern sounding acoustic guitar work on tracks like "The Calm Before the Storm" and "Memories of Nothingness;" reminiscent of Alex Skolnick at his best. The sneering, venomous vocals of Schmier are in prime from as well.

Overall, plenty of good stuff to keep any serious, old-school metal fan happy. The world would be a far better place if more bands recorded albums like this. DESTRUCTION may not truly be the inventors of evil, but, based on this album, they just might have perfected it!

- Broadbent

OFFICIAL SITE: www.destruction.de

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