This a strong release by thrash metal veterans Destruction. Solid, quality riffs are featured on this whole release. It's amped up in intensity and the vocals have a sort of echo to them to make the atmosphere more surreal. It actually suits the music quite well. Not as strong of a release than 'The Antichrist' (2001), but it's still pretty darn good. One thing they could've cut out are the leads (Mike Sifringer's). It's just too sloppy and he's never been good in that department so it's better that they have guest musicians filling that slot. Mike did great with the songwriting and the main riffs to songs but always lagged on leads. Harry Wilkens was SUPERIOR.

I enjoyed this whole release! I would've scored it higher if (as I mentioned) the leads were taken out. They did make a great comeback which I didn't think would happen after 'Cracked Brain' (1990). I'm glad they did return! 2000's 'All Hell Breaks Loose' was a killer comeback and I overplayed it (haha). It's hit or miss with Destruction though. Most of their early stuff I like with the exception of course their bad production quality ('Sentence of Death' [1984], 'Eternal Devastation' [1985] and 'Mad Butcher' [1987]). The debut album from 1985, 'Infernal Overkill', hit home with me though. Their newer stuff a lot of it sounds similar to previous releases. That's the one beef I have with the band. They need to come back with their creative juices.

Fortunately, it was a good production on here and the riffs were pretty good. It was deserving of a "B" rating. There are quite a few guests on the vocal department (not that Schmier needs it) but it adds some variety to the release. And to correct I do think there are only a few guests for lead guitar. Overall, the thrash metal community stays strong with bands like Destruction setting the standard to this generation of bands putting out music in this genre. Destruction was one of the founding bands in the early 80's who really put forth a lot of original releases in that era of thrash metal. But now, they seem to blend in with a lot of other bands. 'Inventor of Evil' has a touch of the new and old work.

Production wise this release was done well! I believe they were on a budget that allowed this and spent some time in recording this. The riffs are fresh and nostalgic. I believe Schmier was strong on the vocals (lyrically filled with much emotion [HATE!]) and Mike did well on the rhythm guitar. The fact that he's not with the band any longer makes me sad. He was the founding guitarist to the band and I guess he wasn't feeling it anymore. Band members commented on his departure that they (Schmier) were sad to see him go after all these years. But they also commented in saying that he was in poor health. At least he sounds great on here!

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
10/09/2021 20:53