Destruction formed in 1983 in Weil am Rhein, Germany
The band began their journey in Weil am Rhein in 1983, initially called Knight of Demon before adopting the Destruction name shortly after.
Artist profile · 05/07/2026
About
Emerging from southern Germany, Destruction solidified their place in thrash metal history with early releases such as 1984's "Sentence Of Death" EP and their debut full-length "Infernal Overkill" (1985). Their sound evolved from early heavy metal influences to a more aggressive thrash style, influencing generations within and beyond Germany. The band underwent lineup shifts, including a notable removal and return of frontman Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer, before resuming their thrash legacy in 1999. The vinyl catalog available today includes recent albums like "Birth Of Malice" (2025) on Napalm Records and classic titles reissued by High Roller Records.
For collectors, Destruction offers a rich array of original pressings and remasters, including live recordings like "Live Attack" (…
Discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Data provided by Discogs
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Essentials
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 2025Latest studio album showcasing modern thrash with 12 tracks including 'Dealer Of Death', available in multiple European pressings.
#2 · 2022Thrash metal return in 2022 with a 13-track album on Napalm Records, available in limited vinyl editions globally.
#3 · 2000Marking their post-1999 reunion, this album sees renewed thrash energy with a dozen tracks, pressed in Germany by Nuclear Blast.
B-side
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
The band began their journey in Weil am Rhein in 1983, initially called Knight of Demon before adopting the Destruction name shortly after.
Frontman Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer was dismissed in 1990 but returned in 1999 with a refreshed lineup including drummer Marc Reign.
"Live Attack" captured the band's live energy on vinyl and Blu-ray, released by Napalm Records with 47 tracks across formats.
"Destruction is generally considered the first German thrash metal band and one of the 'big four' of Teutonic thrash."— Metal Scholarship
The 1987 album "Release From Agony" was released on Steamhammer with eight tracks, available on multiple LP editions and a sought-after title for collectors.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Destruction was formed in 1983 in Weil am Rhein, Germany, originally under the name Knight of Demon.
Destruction is a German thrash metal band, part of the Teutonic thrash metal movement.
"All Hell Breaks Loose" (2000) and classic albums like "Release From Agony" (1987) are popular on vinyl.
"Live Attack" (2021) and "Live Without Sense" (1988/1989) are notable live albums available on vinyl.
Original pressings such as 2000's "All Hell Breaks Loose" were released in Germany by Nuclear Blast, often available through specialty shops.
Yes, several albums including "All Hell Breaks Loose" have specific German pressings with unique catalog numbers and packaging.
"Birth Of Malice" includes 12 tracks spanning just over 50 minutes of thrash metal.
Labels include Napalm Records, Nuclear Blast, High Roller Records, and Steamhammer among others.
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