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 Destruction:In the beginning of the 80's in Weil am Rhein the "German answer to Metallica" was formed. It consisted of Schmier (bass, vocals), Mike (guitar) and Tommy (drums) and with their first appearance every metal cliche was fulfilled: long hair, leather clothes, studs, ammunition belts and a nay saying attitude which fit their thrash sound perfectly, their roots consisting of almost any type of metal, be it trash, death or black metal.In 1984, SPV records realised the band's great potential and they were signed immediately. "Sentence to Death" was released and was a sweeping success. The following year they went on a European tour with Slayer and following the release of "Infernal Overkill" they appeared on the legendary World War III festival in Montreal, Canada. In 1986, the ultimate German metal tour with Destruction, Kreator and Rage took place following the release of Destruction's "Eternal Devastation". Following a subsequent tour of the rest of Europe, Tommy left the band because of "musical differences". He was replaced by Olly & Harry joined as well as second guitarrist. This was right about the time "Mad Butcher" was released. The influence by the two newcomers was apparent on "Release from Agony" which appeared after a tour with Motörhead. The harder sound was met with conflicting reactions from the press and the public in general. Following the release of 1989's "Live without Sense", Schmier left the band to start Headhunter. Destruction practiced with guest singer Andre from Poltergeist but under abuse from the music scene the band called it quits. Although Mike and Olly wrote some demos under the Destruction banner, nothing came of it. In the beginning of 1999, Schmier, based on the ideas of fans & a music magazine, decided to reform the band. Schmier and Mike joined up with a new drummer, Sven, and on the announced German Open-Airs they proved their quality. In 2000, "All Hell Breaks Loose" fulfilled the expectations of all. A year later "The Antichrist" surpassed expectations, though the label had initially messed up the proper sequence of the tracks. This "mistake" was later sold by Nuclear Blast, though there were a few disgruntled fans who were unaware that they had purchased a "mistaken pressing". "Alive Devastation" was released in Japan only, apparently in preparation for a tour in May, 2003, though it seems it may be released in Europe as well eventually. Mikki 3/03
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