I actually enjoy this album the most out of all the Destruction releases in existence. The reason is because it's raw, but not to a severe degree, original, intense, and lyrically demonic. Not that I like demonic lyrics, but it fits the music really well. This was the original lineup - Tommy "Sandmann" Senmann was on a few of their early releases before they moved onto Oliver "Olly" Kaiser who played on 'Release from Agony' (1988) and 'Live without Sense' (1989). Destruction seems to be putting out albums that are just sounding the same as their predecessors. No move forward musically and their constant anti-Christian lyrics don't hit home with me. I can get into the music here on 'Infernal Overkill', but not lyrics.

Nothing can beat this Destruction release in their discography because it features riffs that are totally original, Mike Sifringer at his absolute best in the lead department, even though I think that he still is a bit sloppy. Yes, I had this on vinyl and had been meaning to review it for quite some time now. I just haven't heard it much in a while, it's actually been ages. Most of the songs feature quite original riffs especially 'Thrash Attack' and 'Invincible Force'. No the production wasn't the greatest, but a step up from their debut, which only features (I think) 5 songs. Here is about 40 minutes of intense thrash to the absolute core. These guys weren't messing around on this one, they wanted something strong.

Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer at his best here, he's only this good on 'Live without Sense' in my opinion. The bass could've been a little bit louder and the drums a bit more intense, but they still were on cue with the melodies and riffs. Outstanding every track is and put together in such a way that they defy the laws of logic! I'd say that Mike really did his part on the songwriting - totally destroys. What gets me is they copy from no other and the overall aura of the band is grim. Not really depressing, just dismal and a bit dark. This goes with the album concept though. Their whole makeup here is deserving of recognition because they totally kick ass. This is what thrash metal should sound like, raw and uncompromising.

Tommy's drum efforts again were a little bit monotonous, but still, he was on cue for this German thrash act that totally hit the spot with me because of its' totally uncompromising energy. Pick any track and you'll hear sounds like no other. Again, Mike's best lead efforts to date. He put together some solos that actually shred. Not as good as the guy they later recruited on 'Release from Agony', Harry Wilkens that is. Still Mike plays his best on here I think. Everything seemed to fit together. The vocals are totally likeable and original. I've never heard a thrash metal vocalist that has such of an original voice as Schmier does. That goes for all the thrash act that have been through the years.

As a 3-piece they're still pretty solid, though a 2nd guitarist seemed to fit better if they ever got someone else. However, they did on 'Release from Agony' and 'Live without Sense', but Harry left the band and Destruction of the 90's without Schmier just wasn't as good. No one could replace Schmier's vocals. On 'Infernal Overkill', he's totally unorthodox and unique. This used to be a band that I respected so much in the past, but now as I say they just aren't as good. They're not evolving as musicians should. They're just stuck in the dark, but with this album it captures all of what thrash is about, except for the lyrics. I like everything except those, but here is one Destruction monument.

Rating: 9½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
08/24/2014 17:25