Destruction | Birth Of Malice | Napalm Records

 

Germany’s Destruction returns in 2025 with their sixteenth full-length album, “Birth Of Malice”, a continuation of their aggressive modern phase. The lineup remains stable: Schmier on vocals and bass, joined by guitarists Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, and Randy Black on drums. The production is direct and sharp-edged, balancing the rawness fans expect with contemporary clarity.

This album stays firmly within the band’s established template—tight, aggressive thrash with occasional shifts toward groove and mid-paced stomping rhythms. Tracks such as “Destruction”, “No Kings – No Masters”, and “Cyber Warfare” serve as reminders of the band’s intent to maintain a consistent, hostile tone, while cuts like “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps” continue their long-standing lyrical focus on social decay and human failure. The inclusion of “Fast As A Shark” as a closing tribute underlines the band’s continued reverence for their roots.

The musicianship is solid, fast, and disciplined. Riffs dominate each track, solos are frequent but controlled, and Schmier’s snarling delivery remains harsh. While the album rarely deviates from the expected formula, its pace and attitude provide enough momentum to sustain interest. There’s little variation or progression from their previous works, particularly “Diabolical”, but Destruction has long chosen to reinforce rather than revise their sound. This record delivers precisely what its cover and title suggest.

It is a competent, aggressive album by a veteran band staying loyal to their path without compromise or reinvention.

Score: 8.5/10