New Sodom Record

"In War And Pieces", the title track of the new album from German thrash metal veterans SODOM, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. will be released in North America on January 11, 2011 and in Europe on November 22, 2010 via SPV/Steamhammer.
"In War And Pieces" track listing:


01. In War And Pieces
02. Hellfire
03. Through Toxic Veins
04. Nothing Counts More Than Blood
05. Storm Raging Up
06. Feigned Death Throes
07. Soul Contraband
08. God Bless You
09. The Art Of Killing Poetry
10. Knarrenheinz
11. Styptic Parasite


For bassist/vocalist Thomas "Angelripper" Such, his thrash metal band SODOM is a perfect vehicle to bluntly take a stand. Like few other musicians on this scene, he personifies — along with down-to-earthiness and honesty — a healthily critical position on political authorities and decision-makers from finance and industry. On their latest album, "In War And Pieces", SODOM focuses on the worst excesses of power: arrogance, greed, spotlight-seeking, fanaticism, corruption, cowardice and oppression. Tom strates, "I've always written about what's going on in the world, about the injustice and mistakes that happen everywhere. I know that you can't change anything politically that way, but I would like to at least comment on the situation and generate an awareness of this deplorable state of affairs. Being a singer in a metal band allows me to voice my anger to a large audience."

This uncompromising attitude marks the eleven songs on sodom's latest album which could hardly sound more dynamic and violent. "In War And Pieces" owes its bloodcurdling energy largely to producer Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., ENEMY OF THE SUN), whose great skill and commitment were instrumental in creating the album's — as Tom calls it — "phat, brutal and open" sound. With Sorychta's support, Angelripper (vocals, bass), Bernemann (guitar) and Bobby Schottkowski (drums) succeeded in adding new impulses to their music without watering down the band's long tradition. "Waldemar is a great musician himself and has done some brilliant work, especially on the guitar sound," Tom explains. "He knows how to get the absolute maximum out of a speaker."


As brutal as the production is the diverse songwriting on "In War And Pieces", a kind of tour de force through the whole history of thrash metal, featuring harsh arrangements, melodic solos and raging vocal attacks. "I feel that we sound more contemporary and structured than we did on our recent releases," Tom analyzes. "At the same time, there are also references to recordings such as 'Persecution Mania' and 'Agent Orange'. After VENOM, SODOM were the world's first angry band, and nothing has changed that." Tom lists as examples the impressive title track, as well as "The Art Of Killing Poetry" with its ultra-deep guitar atmospheres and the German-language song, 'Knarrenheinz', which holds up the tradition of classics such as 'Bombenhagel' and "Ausgebombt". "Knarrenheinz is the mascot on the album cover, that's why I felt he deserved his own lyrics," Tom grins. Talking of album covers: the artwork was designed by Eliran Kantor, who enjoys an excellent reputation on the scene thanks to his work for renowned acts such as TESTAMENT, GWAR and MEKONG DELTA.

Goatwhore

Zack for a living gets to beat the shit out of his drums. If you have not seen them live , surely they will rip your face off. Zack plays for sludgy black thrash grind gurus Goatwhore. I caught up with Zack.


Goatwhore are playing Ozzfest this year, are you doing the whole tour?

We are playing all six of the Ozzfest dates this year as well as headlining dates on the off days. We hit the road in about a week and are out for just under a month. We are really looking forward to this run. It’s an honor to be a part of Ozzfest again.

You guys are well known for being one of the hardest working bands. What keeps you going?

This is all we know how to do basically. Go big or go home, I guess. Some of the guys have side jobs when we have time off, but for me, this is really all I’ve got. It’s probably one of the coolest jobs you can have.

I agree. I think Goatwhore records sound great sonically, but i think there is a different kind of power when you lock in in a live setting. Do you think bands sometimes lose sight of that?

I know what you mean. There is an energy when you see a band live that cannot translate on an album. There are some bands that sound amazing on record but disappoint live, and vice versa. An album can only hit one of your senses. When you go to a show, you can see it, hear it, feel it, and smell it (if we haven’t showered.)

What drummers did you look up to when you got started?

I was a huge Ozzy and Sabbath fan growing up, and still am. I really looked up to Tommy Aldridge. He’s an amazing drummer. As I started digging deeper into the heavier stuff I got into Dave Lombardo, Nick Barker, etc… Nowadays I’m kind of rediscovering a lot of older drummers that kick ass like Cozy Powell, Ian Paice, etc. I’m more into solid rock drummers than drummers that exclusively play fast.

I think Tommy is underrated. Whats next in the chamber for the band?

We have been working on material for a new record that will be out sometime next year. The touring is probably going to slow down toward the end of the year so we can focus on that. Then we’ll hit the road and do it all over again.

Thanks for taking the time brother

No problem at all. Take it easy.