SODOM
Well now here's an interesting little story involving what may be the world's oldest Thrash band. We are all familiar with concept albums and how, on rare occasions, the band in question will immerse themselves in the subject matter of the topic of which the album shall be dedicated. However, to actually embark on a true-life journey to a foreign nation and interview persons involved in the historical event the album revolves around is truly, well....remarkable! SODOM found themselves fixated on the subject of the Vietnam War and did just that. I cannot think of one band who has dedicated themselves to this degree for such a purpose and I personally can't help but wonder whether this was really a necessary action given the wealth of subject matter available on this relatively recent conflict. Well, it would not be the first time some of us who've literally grown up with SODOM's music have put into question the sanity of founder Tom Angelripper. Well, given all their time and expense, was it really worth it?M-16, an album titled after the standard issue American service rifle of the day (I think they're using the M-16A2 these days), is nothing you would find surprising coming from long-time thrashers SODOM. What I immediately detected upon listening was more of a sense of patience in the band's approach, which traditionally has been utterly spastic and laden with unyielding speed. Not since the late 1980's has the band sounded this meticulous and ironically the release this reminds me of most is Agent Orange, an album which also dealt greatly with the carnage of Vietnam. The band's obsession with warfare has led them to diversify they're songwriting to such a degree that this is one of the more professionally structured efforts the band has put forth. All this said, after all these years I guess I should be a little more impressed and while I appreciate the band's noteworthy inspirational exodus and topical immersion, this is not an album that stirs me as much as I would have expected. Maybe I've been listening just too long. Now don't misinterpret what I am saying because I do like this album. Its got that vintage aggression SODOM has always carried with them and a good, clear sound to back it up. However, there is not the excitement rattling me like it once did when I rushed to purchase my next SODOM album years prior.
I don't wish to spend too much time on criticisms because M-16 is a good album and I know long time fans will devour this wholesale (including Matt G. who would have most likely given this a higher rating). For all the years I have been a SODOM follower I think the issue here is that a veteran band like SODOM have evolved very little. In one respect that is extremely commendable and their commitment to Thrash Metal can never be questioned but by the same token, all these years have passed and I would have expected some measure of progression in style or sound. If you are a simple purist, then this album is going to make you smile and put your head through the wall (though its slightly more controlled than previous efforts). There are certainly memorable tracks on M-16 and while I somehow got a little more out of Code Red, this will do just fine. The import version contains two ancient demo tracks, which really are not worth paying the extra cash for given their poor quality.
I can only ponder how long this band can keep cranking out this sort of music. Old Tom just might be the first Thrash Metal retiree in the history of the genre. Hats off to both him and the band collectively for another job well done. I'm not jumping through hoops but I am bouncing off a few walls.
Matt's rating: 8
