Photo credit: Stephanie Carbal (except Dovas by Mia Demonz)
Bay area thrash metal legends TESTAMENT are very pleased to announce that they will return to Europe this autumn for a full-fledged co-headline tour with death metal trailblazers OBITUARY! After an extensive 2024 Summer festival run and a highly successful tour supporting their peers KREATOR and ANTHRAX at the end of last year, this October will see the mighty TESTAMENT lay waste to some of Europe’s most renowned venues. Rounding off this killer tour will be none other than German thrash metal pioneers DESTRUCTION and black/death metal juggernaut GOATWHORE from New Orleans.
TESTAMENT‘s Eric Peterson (guitars) commented: “Alright! We are super excited to announce the beginning of our Thrash of the Titans campaign event! Coming to Europe this October with co-headliners OBITUARY and very special guests DESTRUCTION & GOATWHORE! We will have a special deep cut set along with classics and of course some new songs! OBITUARY will be doing a special set as well doing their classic “cause of death” material and DESTRUCTION also will have new record out as well! Looking fwd to see you all again out there! Long live Thrash! Long live metal!“
TESTAMENT | OBITUARY w/ guests Destruction & Goatwhore 05-Oct-25 DE – Hannover @ Capitol 07-Oct-25 UK – Bristol @ Beacon 08-Oct-25 UK – Birmingham @ O2 Academy Birmingham 09-Oct-25 IE – Dublin @ Olympia Theatre 10-Oct-25 UK – Manchester @ Manchester Academy 11-Oct-25 UK – London @ O2 Forum Kentish Town 12-Oct-25 BE – Antwerp @ Trix 13-Oct-25 DE – Stuttgart @ LKA Longhorn 14-Oct-25 DE – Hamburg @ Große Freiheit 36 16-Oct-25 CH – Pratteln @ Z7 Konzertfabrik 17-Oct-25 DE – Wiesbaden @ Schlachthof 18-Oct-25 IT – Milan @ Live Club 19-Oct-25 DE – Saarbruecken @ Garage 21-Oct-25 SI – Ljubljana @ Media Center 22-Oct-25 AT – Vienna @ Arena 23-Oct-25 PL – Wroclaw @ A2 24-Oct-25 DE – Munich @ TonHalle 25-Oct-25 DE – Oberhausen @ Turbinenhalle 26-Oct-25 NL – Utrecht @ Tivoli Vredenburg – Ronda
“THE ART OF DESTRUCTION” – THE ULTIMATE DOCUMENTARY ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THRASH METAL BANDS OF ALL TIME – World premiere on March 6, 2025 in Berlin with DESTRUCTION & guests – Get your ticket now!
For over 40 years, DESTRUCTION have stood for uncompromising thrash metal. As part of the legendary Teutonic 4, together with SODOM, TANKARD and KREATOR, they have created a musical legacy that is now being documented on film for the first time.
With “THE ART OF DESTRUCTION“, German filmmakers Ilja Jelusic and Denise Dörner bring the raw energy, passion and highs and lows of the band to the big screen. Originally planned as a documentary about the reunion of the Teutonic 4 for a world tour, the project was taken to a whole new level by the pandemic and fateful twists and turns. The film follows Schmier and his band up close through crises, changes and explosive live moments.Filmed over five years, “THE ART OF DESTRUCTION” delivers far more than classic interview documentaries: Unpublished footage, intimate insights behind the scenes and the unvarnished reality of a life between sweaty club shows and gigantic festival stages make this film a must-see for all metal fans.
The world premiere at CineStar CUBIX at Alexanderplatz will be a meeting point for the metal elite: DESTRUCTION – with Schmier, Randy Black, Damir Eskić and Martin Furia – on the red carpet together with the filmmakers and top-class guests from the metal scene. A unique event that brings fans and musicians together!
The film will be shown by film distributor UCM.ONE on the NONFY Documentaries label in selected German cinemas from March 6, 2025. Further information about the film: HERE
THE FILMMAKERS…
Denise Dörner (director, screenplay, camera
“This documentary is not a cheerful music clip, but a very serious story about passion and life. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that our idea could be realized so well, even though everything was completely messed up by the circumstances. I was allowed to look behind the scenes, travel with DESTRUCTION and put myself in their shoes. I met my idols and many interesting people and also felt the whole range of emotions. I’m very excited to see what people will think and feel about this trip.”
“As a film team, we had a really good relationship with Schmier and DESTRUCTION, who placed a lot of trust in us. The film was shot without a commission and without film funding, which means we had to finance everything ourselves, which also involved a big risk.
During the pandemic, none of us knew what would happen next and where the story of the film would lead. Of course, it was also a very moving time for us filmmakers. And then one adventure followed the next and suddenly we were off to Mexico. I am deeply grateful for the experiences we were able to gain through DESTRUCTION!”
Watch the trailer for “The Art of Destruction” HERE:
THE PREMIERE EVENT
The world premiere of “THE ART OF DESTRUCTION” will take place on March 6, 2025 at the premiere cinema CineStar – CUBIX at Alexanderplatz , Berlin.
METAL – HIGHLIGHT: The metal icons of Destruction – Schmier (Bass, Vocals), Randy Black (Drums), Damir Eskic (Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals) and Martin Furia (Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals) – are traveling to Berlin especially for the world premiere!
Together with the filmmaking duo Denise Dörner and Ili Jelusic, they will answer questions from the audience after the premiere. Moderated by Katrin Riedel (Metal Hammer), the film discussion promises deep insights into the band, the film and the music.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR FANS: After the premiere, there will be an autograph session with Destruction, where movie posters and autograph cards will be signed. Fan merchandise and – as a special highlight – the first copies of the brand new 16th studio album “THE BIRTH OF MALICE” will also be available before its official release on March 7, 2025 at 00:00!
ABOUT UCM.ONE and NONFY Documentaries
UCM.ONE GmbH, headquartered in Berlin with additional offices in Mannheim, Hamburg and London, is a media company specializing in the marketing of film and music rights.
With renowned music labels such as Noble Demon, Plastic City, Harthouse and Noom Records as well as film labels such as Darling Berlin, Artkeim2 and NONFY Documentaries, UCM.ONE serves a broad spectrum of genres and target groups.
The abbreviation UCM.ONE stands for “United Content Management.One” and reflects the philosophy of making high-quality content available worldwide and at any time.
While fans eagerly await the release of DESTRUCTION’s 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2025 via Napalm Records, the German thrash metal icons have released their third single, “Scumbag Human Race”. On this track, Schmier rages against the corruption and deceit of humanity, with the unforgettable chorus acting as a call for reckoning as the band spits fury at those who exploit and manipulate. A blistering thrash anthem, this track will resonate with anyone fed up with the state of the world.
DESTRUCTION on “Scumbag Human Race”: “Single number three, ‘Scumbag Human Race’, is a mercyless steamhammer of a track! Its relentless groove and energy are pushing you straight forward into the moshpit! This will be an intense live track and that riff can melt faces! The lyrics are metaphorically speaking: how would this planet call us if it could talk? And what would it tell us? Right …wake the fuck up … SCUMBAG HUMAN RACE!!!!“
Fans all over the world worship DESTRUCTION as one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career! As part of the legendary Teutonic 4 alongside German thrash icons Sodom, Tankard and Kreator, DESTRUCTION have forged a legacy that has been captured by German film makers Denise Dörne and Ilija Jelusic, who have created an exciting documentary about DESTRUCTION’s eager plans to reunite the Teutonic 4 for a world tour. But in the pursuit of this dream, however, fate strikes. The film follows Schmier and his band up close as the pandemic hits, and after a fateful turn of events, everything is at stake. The movie was shot over the course of five years, resulting in exclusive material that sets it apart from traditional interview-heavy documentaries. The viewer experiences the protagonists in behind-the-scenes like atmospheres, immersing them in the world of DESTRUCTION. The film uncompromisingly shows what it means to be a heavy metal musician – amidst small, sweaty clubs and huge open air stages – enabling an authentic view into the core of one of the most undisputedly important, influential and genre-defying bands in thrash metal.
The movie will premiere in Berlin on March 6, 2025, with the band and filmmakers also in attendance. Make sure to get your tickets HERE!
Denise Dörner about the movie: “This documentary is not a cheerful music clip, but a very serious story about passion and life. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that our idea could be realized so well, even if everything was completely thrown into disarray by the circumstances. I was allowed to look behind the scenes, travel with DESTRUCTION and empathize with them. I met my idols and many interesting people and also felt the full range of emotions. I’m very excited to see what people will think and feel about this journey.”
Ilija Jelusic adds: “As a film team, we had a really good connection with Schmier and DESTRUCTION, who had a lot of trust in us. The film was made without a commission and without film funding. That means we had to finance everything ourselves, which also contained a big risk. During the pandemic, none of us knew what would happen next and where the story of the film would go. Of course, it was a very moving time for us filmmakers as well. And then one adventure followed the next and suddenly we were off to Mexico. I am deeply grateful for the experiences we were able to gain through DESTRUCTION!”
On Birth Of Malice, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers!
The album is opened by the brutal “Destruction”, with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band’s 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors – like selfish behavior on “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps”. A clear statement is made with carnage on “Scumbag Human Race”, exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus “I will count your days!”. The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging “No Kings – No Masters”. DESTRUCTION also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on “Cyber Warfare”. To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker “Fast As A Shark”.
All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!
Birth Of Malice tracklisting: 1. Birth Of Malice 2. Destruction 3. Cyber Warfare 4. No Kings – No Masters 5. Scumbag Human Race 6. God Of Gore 7. A.N.G.S.T. 8. Dealer Of Death 9. Evil Never Sleeps 10. Chains Of Sorrow 11. Greed 12. Fast As A Shark
DESTRUCTION live on tour 2024/2025: 22.03.25 BE – Aalst / Sint Annazaal vzw
Festivals 2025 11-14.06.25 DE – Gardelegen / Metal Frenzy Open Air 2025 30.07-02.08.25 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air 2025 13-16.08.25 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze Open Air 2025
DESTRUCTION are: Schmier – Bass, Vocals Martin Furia – Guitars Randy Black – Drums Damir Eskić – Guitars
German Thrash-Teutons DESTRUCTION strike again with their second single, “A.N.G.S.T.”. As one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career, they unleash raw paranoia, shredding guitar solos and Schmier’s intense vocals while criticizing evil forces who prey on the weaknesses of others. Tackling fear, the song urges fans to confront their inner demons and break free from mental chains. Taken from their 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2025 via Napalm Records, “A.N.G.S.T.” proves fear is no match for thrash! The single is accompanied by an incredible music video that honors the horror genre and its iconic special FX – images taken from your deepest nightmares creeping in your head to stay.
Fans all over the world worship DESTRUCTION alongside fellow German thrash icons Sodom and Kreator, celebrating their influence on generations of bands worldwide. On Birth Of Malice, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers!
Schmier on “A.N.G.S.T.”: “Our very first German song title is one of two very different tracks on this new album. I wanted to write a groovin’ live track with staccato riffs, evil bloodcurdling vocals and dark atmosphere.”
Schmier adds about the elaborate music video: “We wanted to create a music video like a horror movie that plays with our natural fears, and to create a scary vibe that gives you the chills. It will make you press REPEAT and think, ‘What was that? Let’s watch this freak show again!’ We hope you’re entertained!”
The band’s newest onslaught is opened by the brutal “Destruction”, with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band’s 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors – like selfish behavior on “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps”. A clear statement is made with carnage on “Scumbag Human Race”, exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus “I will count your days!”. The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging “No Kings – No Masters”. DESTRUCTION also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on “Cyber Warfare”. To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker “Fast As A Shark”.
All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!
Birth Of Malice tracklisting:
1. Birth Of Malice 2. Destruction 3. Cyber Warfare 4. No Kings – No Masters 5. Scumbag Human Race 6. God Of Gore 7. A.N.G.S.T. 8. Dealer Of Death 9. Evil Never Sleeps 10. Chains Of Sorrow 11. Greed 12. Fast As A Shark
DESTRUCTION live on tour 2024/2025: 31.01.25 GR – Thessaloniki / Principal Club Theater 01.02.25 GR – Athens / Gagarin 205 22.03.25 BE – Aalst / Sint Annazaal vzw
Festivals 2025 11-14.06.25 DE – Gardelegen / Metal Frenzy Open Air 2025 30.07-02.08.25 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air 2025 13-16.08.25 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze Open Air 2025
DESTRUCTION are: Schmier – Bass, Vocals Martin Furia – Guitars Randy Black – Drums Damir Eskić – Guitars
Following their 40-year-anniversary tour through South America and Europe, German Thrash-Teutons DESTRUCTION strike again with their 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2024 via Napalm Records!
Band founder Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from dual battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts his drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs straight from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for the next generation of thrashers!
Today, the crushing new single “Destruction” has been released and as it’s named after the band, it contains everything DESTRUCTION is revered for. This thrash anthem reflects on the band’s legacy, fueled by razor-sharp riffs and Schmier’s relentless vocals. With lyrics celebrating their outcast origins and unbreakable metal spirit, “Destruction” is a tribute to over 40 years of thrash dominance. Get ready for pure sonic mayhem as the Teutonic titans strike again!
DESTRUCTION on their eponymous battle hymn: “The crushing song ‘Destruction’ is the perfect opener for this album: it builds a bridge between our old school sound and riffing, including song title phrases from classic DESTRUCTION tracks and more shredding & melodic twin lead guitars, that will pinch your brain with its razorsharp leads! The message ‘we are DESTRUCTION’ unites us with our fans worldwide and manifests the bond we have together! I see this track in the tradition of a cult song like ‘Curse the Gods’ in the way it is composed – a thrash metal rollercoaster ride galore!”
Mastermind Schmier about the impressive official music video: “We filmed this clip in Sao Paulo Brazil, one of the top-notch capitals of Metal around the globe and a city that means a lot to us as a band. We played here for the first time in 1989 and have returned countless times for amazing concerts, festivals, visits… I feel at home here. Many friends live in this crazy town. I got my first tattoo, the Release from Agony album cover, in São Paulo. We met Sepultura here the first time and the fans are simply mind-blowing! We wanted to catch the energy of a DESTRUCTION show and appreciate the faithful fans that breathe thrash metal to the core. Without them we are nothing, the lyrics of this song honor and acknowledge our supporters, they are our backbone, they are DESTRUCTION!”
The band’s newest onslaught is opened by the brutal “Destruction”, with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band’s 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors – like selfish behavior on “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps”, while stomping “A.N.G.S.T.” delivers shredding guitar solos and flirts with our paranoid instinct, criticizing evil forces who prey on the weaknesses of others. A clear statement is made with carnage on “Scumbag Human Race”, exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus “I will count your days!”. The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging “No Kings – No Masters”. DESTRUCTION also shift to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on “Cyber Warfare”. To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker “Fast As A Shark”.
All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!
Birth Of Malice tracklisting: 1. Birth Of Malice 2. Destruction 3. Cyber Warfare 4. No Kings – No Masters 5. Scumbag Human Race 6. God Of Gore 7. A.N.G.S.T. 8. Dealer Of Death 9. Evil Never Sleeps 10. Chains Of Sorrow 11. Greed 12. Fast As A Shark
DESTRUCTION live on tour 2024/2025: 27.11.24 TR – Ankara / KK Ankara 28.11.24 TR – Istanbul / IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş 05.12.24 CZ – Pardubice / Yellow Dog 06.12.24 CZ – Suchdol Nad Lužnicí / KD Rocktime Suchdol nad Lužnicí 07.12.24 CZ – Ostrava-město / Barrák Music Club 08.12.24 SK – Bratislava I / Randal Club 28.12.24 DE – Andernach / HORNS UP! 31.01.25 GR – Thessaloniki / Principal Club Theater 01.02.25 GR – Athens / Gagarin 205 22.03.25 BE – Aalst / Sint Annazaal vzw
Festivals 2025 11-14.06.25 DE – Gardelegen / Metal Frenzy Open Air 2025 30.07-02.08.25 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air 2025 13-16.08.25 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze Open Air 2025
DESTRUCTION are: Schmier – Bass, Vocals Martin Furia – Guitars Randy Black – Drums Damir Eskić – Guitars
Today, the legendary thrashers of DESTRUCTION have dropped a cover version of Accept’s world famous hit, “Fast as a Shark”, alongside a new visualizer video. The song is featured on the two track 12’’ vinyl in the very limited fan edition, No Kings – No Masters, and is heating up the anticipation of the ‘Klash of the Ruhrpott’ on July 20, 2024, where the Teutonic 4 (DESTRUCTION, alongside Kreator, Sodom and Tankard) will be reunited this year. Fans are so excited by this unique event that it was sold out within only three days! This show clearly promises to celebrate thrash metal in its purest form and solidify their legacy in the genre.
DESTRUCTION‘s massive career has seen many successes, with the band hitting stages at the world’s biggest festivals around the world like Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Graspop Metal Meeting and México Metal Fest. In 2023, they then went on to complete the ‘40 Years Of Destruction’ anniversary tour throughout South America, Mexico and Europe. But still, the vicious thrash metal pioneers DESTRUCTION are far from slowing things down. On the contrary – they are more than prepared for their next milestones – stay tuned for more news about an upcoming album, set for release in early 2025!
Mastermind SCHMIER himself on the new track: “When this song came out in 1982, it changed our world. There it was: The first German speed metal anthem and what an intense harmony solo!!!! I still love this track like on the first day I heard it, so to finally cover it was a manifested desire. We did it the DESTRUCTION way, ‘cause the original will always be the best version! This is a tribute to one of the originators of heavy music and shows how important this tune was for the whole metal world! Enjoy!”
“No Kings – No Masters” track listing: 1. No Kings – No Masters 2. Fast As A Shark (Accept Cover)
“No Kings – No Masters” will be available in the following limited formats: 1LP Slipcase Translucent Blue (strictly limited) – Sold Out! 1LP Slipcase Solid Gold (strictly limited) – Sold Out! 1LP Slipcase Silver (strictly limited) – Sold Out! Digital Single
DESTRUCTION are: Schmier – Vocals, Bass Martin Furia – Guitars Randy Black – Drums Damir Eskić – Guitars
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