It's good that Destruction never sold out or changed their style of music, but their past several releases have been sub-par. The music just isn't very catchy and the energy is lacking. Mike [Sifringer] doesn't put forth very good leads, so they usually have someone else as a guest lead guitarist. As a 4-piece during the 'Release from Agony' days (1988), Harry [Wilkens] shredded. I'd have to say that 'The Antichrist' (2001) was their last solid release.

The riffs that Mike puts forth here aren't very admirable. It's just getting worse and worse sadly. The song 'The Price' is probably the most notable one. The Dio cover also slain; 'Stand up and Shout' simply ruled. But out of the 53 minutes of this album, I'd say it's the worst one going back about a decade. It's been great to have Schmier [Schirmer] on vocals and bass guitar after all this time, but these guys aren't offering good metal that's worth checking out. Musically Mike is stuck and his riffs are boring plus lack in any dimension. Every succeeding album they keep on leaving off from where they left off previously with no progression. 'D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.' (2008) also wasn't very solid, maybe a little bit more than this one. 'All Hell Breaks Loose' (2000) and 'The Antichrist' is where it's at. 'Thrash Anthems' (2007) is a good compilation album that definitely rips. But 'Day of Reckoning' falls short from many different aspects.

The songs aren't well founded with riffs that stick to you. A lot of gallops and palm muted guitar, but they're just boring. You can listen to this repeatedly and have the same opinion. The lyric writing is where it always had. Mostly anti-religion and politics. Nothing that's really interesting if you ask me. Destruction has never really been a band that sings about anything that's intriguing.

Good mixing with the rhythm/lead guitars, bass, vocals and drums. That was the strongest part of the album. It was long awaited, but fell short by far much. I've tried several listens to this one and my opinion hasn't changed whatsoever. Download some songs and form your own opinion. Again 'The Price' is a good tune, but overall these songs are the pits. Thrash metal at it's one of Destruction's worst.

Rating: 6 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
12/05/2011 22:21