Introduction
Sodom is one of the more influential bands in the thrash and extreme metal genres (especially in the underground). Hailing from Germany, they played a key role in shaping what would become the Teutonic thrash metal scene, alongside bands like Kreator and Destruction. Personally I’ve been a fan of the band for a long time now, and though I haven’t kept up with their recent output, they do hold a special place in my heavy metal collection.
The Birth of Sodom (1981-1983)
The story of Sodom begins in 1981 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The band was founded by bassist and vocalist Thomas “Tom Angelripper” Such, who had a deep passion for heavy metal and the aggressive energy of bands like Motörhead and Venom.
Initially, the band struggled with lineup changes, but the early formation included Frank “Aggressor” Terstegen on guitar and Chris “Witchhunter” Dudek on drums. Inspired by the raw, extreme sound of early black metal and NWOBHM bands, they set out to create music that was heavier, darker, and more aggressive than what they’d previously been inspired by.
Early Days (1983-1985)
By 1983, Sodom had geared up to record their first demo, Witching Metal. The demo was extremely lo-fi in production values and raw sound captured the band’s early style, which blended elements of speed metal and proto-black metal. To be honest the demo was a quite sloppy in musicianship and ti my ears sounded almost unlistenable. But in their defence they were a young band, and hey we all gotta start somewhere.
In 1984, Sodom signed with Steamhammer Records and released their debut EP, In the Sign of Evil. This (Whilst still rather rudimentary in style) featured some of their most iconic early tracks, including Outbreak of Evil and Blasphemer. The EP whilst still a little undercooked in terms of musicianship and definitely in production was a definite step forward for the band. I have to say it had some pretty catchy tunes on it as well! I’ve reviewed the EP more detail with a link below this for anyone interested. With its dark themes and chaotic energy, the EP became a cult classic in the underground metal scene.
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For a more complete review of Sodom’s debut EP “In the Sign of Evil” be sure to read our review here |
The Rise of Teutonic Thrash (1985-1986)
Despite their underground success, Sodom faced ongoing lineup instability. Frank Aggressor left the band and was replaced by Josef “Grave Violator” Dominik. In 1986, they released their full-length debut album, Obsessed by Cruelty. This album continued in the style of the first EP but the playing / musicianship had improved a lot and the production was definitely easier on the ears too. With this release Sodom solidified their place in the German thrash metal scene, alongside contemporaries like Kreator and Destruction.
Though Obsessed by Cruelty was still criticized for its rough production, its raw aggression and dark themes resonated with fans of extreme metal. Songs like Deathlike Silence and After the Deluge showcased Sodom’s evolving sound, blending thrash with early death metal elements.
By the mid-1980s, Sodom had firmly established themselves as pioneers of the German thrash metal scene. Their uncompromising sound, Satanic and war-themed lyrics, and relentless energy influenced a generation of bands in both thrash and black metal.
As they moved forward, Sodom continued to refine their sound, leading to albums like Persecution Mania and Agent Orange, which would bring them international recognition. However, their early years remain a testament to their raw, uncompromising approach to heavy music.