For all of metal’s continued evolution and cross-pollination, sometimes, nothing beats the simplistic thrill of thrash metal. In 2025, thrash is one of metal’s last sub-genres to experience a widespread facelift where new sounds and experimentation take the genre to new pastures. But, this refusal to stray from the well-trodden path can work wonders when you seek nothing but an adrenaline rush. And DESTRUCTION are one of the vanguard. For over four decades, the Germans have been flying at full throttle, establishing themselves as one of the frontrunners of the Big Four of German thrash, alongside KREATOR, SODOM and TANKARD. In 2025, 43 years after first bursting onto the scene, comes Birth Of Malice, their sixteenth full-length effort.
Akin to donning your tried and battle-worn denim and leather, Birth Of Malice demonstrates DESTRUCTION‘s uncanny ability to be ever so reliable. Despite their questionable output in the 1990s, of which the band have retconned, modern day output from the Germans has followed the thrash metal blueprint to the letter. Picking up right where 2022’s Diabolical left off, whether it’s the explosive Cyber Warfare (which is as solid as modern day DESTRUCTION gets) or the triumphant No Kings – No Masters, the band intend on delivering a thrash metal masterclass and its very much a big tick in that regard.
In fact, the band rarely take their foot off the gap, keeping the energy high. God Of Gore is a blistering listen with a thunderous onslaught of riffs and wailing solos, Scumbag Human Race lives up its namesake and projects sheer aural fury, and the more mid-tempo chug of A.N.G.S.T. allows the band’s chugging riffs to leave a lasting mark and its easily accessibly rhythm just encourages the head to bang. Then, with a cut like Dealer Of Death, which features some exemplary riffs that speak to the heart of why metal is so infectious in the first place, it’s hard pressed not to crack a smile and just bask in the chaos.
However, at 50 minutes, and for music this high octane, Birth Of Malice feels bloated in places. The last 15-20 minutes in particular feels more of a slog than the high-octane thrills of the album’s first bout. Evil Never Sleeps is weighty sure, but in the wider context of the record, feels forgettable and has features a really strange pause that kills the momentum of the track dead in its tracks. And final numbers, Chains Of Sorrow and Greed are both fine songs on their own merits, but when you are approaching close to an hour of thrash, it feels tiresome. And the inclusion of last year’s cover of ACCEPT‘s Fast As A Shark feels needless and adds little to the overarching listening experience. Perhaps Birth Of Malice could have benefitted with some more time with the Mad Butcher.
Birth Of Malice is a fine addition to the DESTRUCTION arsenal, which at this point could eclipse numerous band’s combined discographies. The riffs are tight and energetic, Schmier still sounds as hungry for the game in 2025 as he did in the band’s heyday, and when they hit, they hit hard and make a thumping connection. Although it’s lengthy runtime lessens its bite, Birth Of Malice is a no holds barred thrash romp from one of the scene’s most loyal servants.
Rating: 7/10
Birth Of Malice is out now via Napalm Records.
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