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Destruction > Day of Reckoning > 2011, 2 vinyls, Nuclear Blast (2 colors, Limited edition) > Reviews
Destruction - Day of Reckoning

Listen Deeper - 90%

ghastlylugosi, December 10th, 2011

It is very easy to dismiss this album as "more of the same", but I very highly recommend listening deeper. At first, I was pleased to hear new Destruction material, but lamented my perception that it was, indeed, more of the same kind of stuff they've been putting out for the last few albums. All I can say is that, unlike those other albums (mostly "Inventor of Evil" and "D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N."), "Day of Reckoning" continued to exponentially grow on me, whereas the aforementioned albums still don't really appeal to me as much as earlier Destruction material. In fact, I have chosen "D.O.R." as my top album of 2011, though admittedly I only got 12 new releases from this year, from a broad spectrum of metal!

The difference? A darker feel, a somehow more palpable viciousness, and an almost total lack of forgettable "rock 'n roll" riffs interrupting the cool thrash parts. Post-reunion Destruction has been plagued, sometimes slightly or sometimes greatly, with these sub-par "rock 'n roll" riffs breaking in just when you are really getting into an excellent thrash riff, the kind of thing that one must ask oneself why Destruction thought it was a good idea to throw that in at that particular junction. The 2 studio albums prior to this were most guilty of that. There is hardly any of that on this album, to my delight.

To this day, I cannot really pinpoint exactly why this is so much better; I can tell you it took about 4 or 5 listens to really begin to appreciate whatever it is I appreciate, and after that it just gets better with each listen. I actually DO hear some ancient Destruction riffing on here. If you listen to it carefully, it will appear (the title track and "Sheep of the Regime" come to mind), and maybe that's what is so peculiar about this album, the fact that the brilliance is so obscured. By what? I don't know exactly. The production is excellent: brutal, clear, thick, pummelling, sharp. The drums and bass (actually audible!) are a machine gun of punishment, and the vocals are perfect, if perhaps in one or three instances a little overpowering with multiple layers of Schmier's voice, but never to the point of being too "mechanized" or "glossy". What is left out of this formula? The guitar! And the odd thing is, the guitar IS clearly audible, but these nuances that are so great are somehow not clearly evident at first. Does that make any sense? You can hear the guitar very well, but it is not easy to hear how brilliant it is at first. Perhaps "hiding in plain sight" is an adage that can be used here.

While some have cast dispersion on the lyrics, I found them to be a bit more spiteful than in past, and let's not forget that these are lyrics as a second language, something I've always found (usually) appealing from such bands. And Schmier comes up with some different vocal patterns in a few songs, which I found to be novel, including "Armageddonizer" (maybe my favourite on the album) and the also excellent "Church of Disgust". Also listen for the ancient-sounding guitar intro to the title track; I don't now if Mike played that or not, as there are a few guest guitarist listed on the album but it doesn't say who plays what! But that took me back to the eternal glory of "Eternal Ban"! I will say that I find the simplistic "The Demon is God" to be the lowpoint on the album, mainly because of the rather annoying chorus which is more akin to Kreator's more punky approach on the "Hordes of Chaos" album.

New drummer Vaaver is quite powerful, but not seemingly as active as predecessor Marc. Who knows how much time Vaaver had with this material before it was recorded? HIs drumming is in no way "disappointing"! While doing a great job on the album, he played the new material with much more interesting approach live, as he also did welcome justice to old songs.

In summary, I really urge all who have dismissed this album to give it a few more listens (maybe back-to-back?) to pick up the excellent nuances that are housed within. There are not many "instant classic" riffs or songs, but there are very strong songs that hold up and produce pleasant surprises if one only listens deeper, thereby making the songs memorable. Though not really complex, it is definitely one of those albums that "grows on you".

Destruction - Day of Reckoning - 60%

Orbitball, November 30th, 2011

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 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, Harry shredded. I'd have to say that The Antichrist 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 slayed. "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 on vocals/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. also wasn't very solid, maybe a little bit more than this one. All Hell Breaks Loose and The Antichrist is where it's at. Thrash Anthems 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.

Destruction - Day Of Reckoning - 50%

padshiyangel01, September 17th, 2011

Considered one of the forefathers of the Teutonic thrash metal scene along with Kreator and Sodom, power-trio Destruction have released their 11th album, Day Of Reckoning, another unrelenting 50-minute slab of their brand of technical thrash metal with snarls, riffs and a polished overtone. It's a tried-and-true formula which has been the basis of their past 4 albums, with different drummers in the hotseat and guest guitarists being the variation over the years.

Opener “The Price” is a powerful blast, full of pounding drums and pure thrash in the riffs, and it sounds impressive. Vocalist and bassist Schmier brings his trademark mid-level snarl (akin to a more melodic Angelripper), although his bass could do with a boost. Sifringer pulls some nice riffs and rhythm out, and there's a requisite cool solo and shout-along section that speaks of years of being a live band instead of in the studio. The whole song is a neat package, showcasing the band's sound in a nutshell. The music feels a little synthetic, but it certainly sounds and engaging and promising of more headbang-worthy material.

This sound, although enjoyable at first, is then repeated almost exactly throughout the following 10 tracks, with the exception of the bonus track, the latest in a plethora of Dio tribute covers, ending with a touching and soft “Rest In Peace”. Granted, there is some variation between songs, with solos provided by guest shredder Ol Drake (of Evile fame) on half the songs, and Schmier brings some proper cleans on “Armageddonizer”, but it becomes challenging to listen to the whole album, in particular to the lyrics, at best mediocre and at worst cringe-worthy. Lines such as“Rebellion, a cycle in the game of lies/Even a solitary man won't let his soul demise/It ruined all my dreams and all my hope/Guidelines are worst, worse than fucking dope” continue the tradition of dodgy lyrics from previous albums. Plus, “Sheep Of The Regime” has gained my award already for Best Track Title 2011.

To set the record straight, this is not a terrible album by any means, and songs like “Hate Is My Fuel” and the title track can be easily slid into a classic Destruction setlist, but those expecting frequent repeats of the whole album will be disappointed. It's clear the band enjoy following this formula, but as a listener it becomes tiring to hear after a few songs. Fans of Destruction's recent output will enjoy Day Of Reckoning, and thrash enthusiasts can take the album for a couple of spins, but I personally preferred the new Sodom release.

Originally posted at www.blackwindmetal.blogspot.com

More of the Same - 75%

Shadoeking, March 29th, 2011

German thrash titans Destruction recently released their eleventh studio album. Destruction made their comeback from the typical 1990's thrash lull in the late 1990's being way ahead in the game opposed to some of their contemporaries. Despite this, they have not really been able to match their early material. Destruction has pretty much released the same album the last several times out of the gate.

This is pretty much the same thing we have grown to expect from Destruction. Sharp thrash riffs with just a little bit of technicality to them, fast tempos, and of course Schmier's sneering howl. The guitar work is once again very impressive and the new drummer does an admirable job. Everything else is typical for latter day Destruction.

"Devil's Advocate" is the standout track, featuring an impressive riff and some truly great moments. It is one song that sounds like it would have fit on earlier Destruction releases. There is a Dio cover of "Stand Up and Shout", which is decent but not exceptional, but a good way to pay tribute to a metal god who we lost last year.

Ultimately this is Destruction doing what Destruction do. They do not really offer anything new and spectacular but continue with their tried-and-true formula. If you are a fan of Destruction, you will probably like this. If not, then skip it. I am a huge German thrash metal fan, so this is a necessity for me, but Kreator and Sodom's recent releases have been better.

Destruction - Day of Reckoning - 65%

ThrashManiacAYD, March 5th, 2011

Having just gotten through a review of the new Onslaught LP I now find myself resisting the urge to simply copy & paste much of what I said there to be used again for this, the review of the legendary Destruction's newest record, "Day of Reckoning". If Onslaught were a good 80's thrash band, Destruction were incredible. Essentially doing their reformation thing at the tail-end of the 90s they can at least claim to have preceded the modern wave of reformation but all along there has never been any hope of topping the essential early Destruction releases.

As expected "Day of Reckoning" is full of the catchy, technically-tinged thrash we've long come to expect, aided by the under-recognised talents of guitarist Mike Sifringer who, as lone guitarist, gets centre stage more than most of his comrades in the world of thrash. As has become the norm in recent albums, however, the songs of Schmier and co tend to now pass in one ear and out the other with few deviations in tempo or structure noted across the eleven tracks on offer here. There are moments in the title track, "Hate Is My Fuel" and "Devil's Advocate" which stand out from the pack but is has become hard to escape the feeling each new Destruction release is a mere reawakening of the production line, with the band aware more than anyone the timeless riffs of "Mad Butcher", "Bestial Invasion" et al are never to be found again. I'd be interested to know the band's honest opinion on this matter, but to me, it doesn't even sound as if "Day of Reckoning" has been attempted to expand or deviate upon recent efforts, instead happily relying on the same formulas well plied in the past.

New addition Vaaver is a commendably solid acquisition behind the kit following the departure of Marc Reign while Schmier sounds like…Schmier. The man's never been known for lyrical poetry, a feat unchanged here, but it is hard to argue with the consistent quality of his thrash howl to this day.

Ultimately the end of "Day of Reckoning" comes before it is expected given how easily it flows by while never asking any demanding questions of the listener. All well and good, there’s little to cause any harm to seasoned thrashers here, but a greater degree of variation is what we really need to shake off the nagging suspicion Destruction remain a top drawer act more on the basis of their glorious past rather than another fast and furious modern thrash assault like this.

Originally written for www.Rockfreaks.net

About the same as the last three reckonings - 75%

autothrall, February 28th, 2011

That well over 30 years into their existence, Destruction shows no obvious sign of aging or slowing down, is a testament to the band's authenticity and drive. They've taken their lumps, they've returned from the backlash of an entire decade, and they are still writing tunes that pound most thrash initiates into hamburger. Yet, despite the general quality of everything the band has released since Schmier and Mike reunited at the turn of the century, I have the sense that they peaked with The Antichrist and have simply been rewriting that album ever since. Whereas their 80s records marked a clear streak of evolution, through the roughness of Sentence of Death to the precision of Mad Butcher and fractured brilliance of Release from Agony; their past four efforts all inhabit the same plane.

As a result, Metal Discharge, Inventor of Evil and D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. all lacked the distinction that the Germans destroyed us with in now legendary tracks like "Nailed to the Cross" and "Thrash 'Til Death", and Day of Reckoning is really just more of the same. Of course, this could be seen as a positive from certain standpoints. The mix of the instruments is once more ground into a meaty paste of perfection, with Sifringer's guitars and Schmier's snarling retorts sharing the spotlight of the butcher block evenly, and a rhythm section that can manhandle anyone else in the business. The lyrics and titles all carry that same sense of anger and velocity we could so appreciate from The Antichrist: "Hate is My Fuel", "Armageddonizer", and "Church of Disgust" just a few of the delicious morsels of maladjustment. But though they've laid out all the expected bricks for another rowdy crowd pummeling, the ultimate structure is one that can only weather the most common of storms, and not the blazing ravages of time.

It's a Destruction album without Thomas Rosenmerkel, and that equates to their being at least some noteworthy content, even if it's not about to challenge an "Eternal Band" or "Curse the Gods" for the career highlight reel. "Armageddonizer" is low-down and angry, especially the vocals through the minor twists and grooves. "Day of Reckoning" itself opens with some tasty Sifringer excess, blinding melodies trailing off into the sinister radioactive waste-scape. "Sorcerer of Black Magic" stands as perhaps the most interesting writing on the album, with great vocal effects and a cautiously built into segment that continues to rise like a warhead, thick riffing and latest drummer Vaaver's kicks like hammers of judgment pounding in the skull of the listener. "The Demon is God" and "Sheep of the Regime" both have their share of gladiatorial riffing and vexed insights, and at the risk of charges of metal heresy, I enjoy the cover of Dio's "Stand Up and Shout" just as much if not more than the Holy Diver original...especially the brief lead.

In the end, here is another case where they've done just about everything right, except breach the memory with their songwriting. Any individual track here would integrate fluidly with their material of the past decade at live shows, and yet I'm not sure many of the tracks would last long in a classic Destruction set list. It's a stronger album than the latest from Teutonic fellows Tankard or Sodom, and it'll sound great blasting out of headsets, car stereos or home rigs alike, but I didn't really find myself mouthing any of its riffs or vocals even after a number of listens. Day of Reckoning is good. The trio still sounds as enthusiastic and menacing as they did at any point in the last decade, and I'd take this any day over 90% of the new thrash being released by new acts, but I'll just have to keep my horns crossed for something more compelling to come.

-autothrall
http://www.fromthedustreturned.com