Search - Sodom :: The Final Sign Of Evil

The Unabridged Sign of Evil

B. Fanciulli | United States | 10/13/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Released as a five song EP in 1984, the classic "In the Sign of Evil" inspired thousands of thrash and death metal bands. The original was extremely well produced for a metal debut back then. It featured some of the most insane and unique drumming of any metal band to date. Why re-record it? Certainly, the poorly produced follow-up "Obsessed by Cruelty" (1986) is much more in need of a face-lift.



As the story from the high quality, full color booklet CD sleeve goes, Sodom had self-recorded 12 songs in very poor quality prior to receiving their first record deal. The label, not willing to commit the studio time needed to record a full album, only allowed the band to professionally record the five songs. So, after 23 years and 14 excellent albums, vocalist/bassist Angelripper (the only original member still in the band) hit the studio with band mates from the original recording, Witchhunter and Grave Violator, to re-record the full album as it should have been. Hence, the title: "The Final Sign of Evil."



Regarding the previously unreleased tracks, I would argue that the label knew what they were doing. While interesting for historical purposes, the additional seven songs are long, slow, dragging dirges; each about five minutes where the original five average about three minutes each and twice the tempo. After several times through, you will likely find yourself skipping these.



The tracks that originally appeared on the EP are what make this worth hearing. The re-recordings are close to, but not better than the originals. After suffering through the first track, "The Sin of Sodom," the familiar "Blasphemer" is a welcome spine-tingler and the pinnacle of this album. Witchhunter's trademark galloping double bass furiously shreads through the wall of guitars.



"The Final Sign of Evil" has a live feel to it; there probably wasn't much practice leading up to it. The instruments are often slightly uncoordinated, and drumbeats awkwardly speed up and slow down. From the sounds of it, Witchhunter probably hasn't touched the drums since leaving Sodom in 1992 after his crushing performance on "Tapping the Vein." Aside from the modern production, it is probably much as it might have been 23 years ago; a neat gift for collectors and Sodom enthusiasts. Now, PLEASE re-record "Obsessed by Cruelty!""