EP Review: Sodom – Bombenhagel

August 25, 2021 | Reviewed By Nick Davarias

German Thrash metallers Sodom are back with their new EP ‘Bombenhagel’. This release has garnered a decent amount of attention as the band have come off a very well received album release in 2020 with ‘Genesis XIX’. Fans have not been shy about expressing their excitement for even more new music from the band and I have to admit that all the buzz around the EP has gotten me that much more excited to review it, so without further adieu, here is my review of Sodom’s ‘Bombenhagel’.

Title track ‘Bombenhagel’ opens up the explosive EP with a bombardment of rapid, bullet-like drumming mixed with heavy, Chugging guitars that have defined Sodom’s sound for years now. It’s a no nonsense start to a new release which will have die hard fans of the band banging their heads along to the song’s many engaging phrases. From thrashy riffs to aggressive screams, Sodom have tried their best to capture an essence from their older material as well as fusing it with their more modern licks and solos that newer fans have become accustomed too. An extremely strong start for the German Metallers.

Following that is the track ‘Coup De Grace’. A fast paced Thrash track that does its job extremely well. Fans will have a field day letting loose to this impassioned track full of angst and energy. Catchy drumming helps make the song memorable while the absolute carnage that is the guitar solo’s just feel like you’re listening to some old school Slayer. The song progresses in a fluid motion with each slight change to the melody of the track seamlessly transitioning between one another. It’s an extremely well paced song that delivers on all fronts. Great work here from Sodom.

Final track ‘Pestiferous Posse’ feels a little off to me. The song features some great guitar work and isn’t a bad song by any means however, the track comes across as quite generic as it uses chord progressions and drumming patterns that have been used over and over again in Thrash metal throughout the years and with modern thrash bands upping the game in recent times, this stale and uninspired blend of chuggin E strings and syncopated drumming just doesn’t quite hit the same way it used to. I’m sure old school Thrash fans will love this but it’s just not for me unfortunately.

Overall, I think this EP is a decent Thrash release however I can’t see it getting the band many new fans. Opting to continue down the more old school Thrash route may limit the appeal of this release as more and more modern bands continue to evolve the genre that seemed to be stuck in its way for so many years. If you are a fan of bands like Slayer or Kreator then I’m sure you’ll have a blast with this but if you’re looking for something with a bit of a risk to it, then this is not the release for you.

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