Known for their no-nonsense approach to heavy music, the band have once again raised the bar – not just musically, but sonically.
“We all know that good music is always also a question of sound,” says frontman Tom Angelripper, and with that in mind, The Arsonist was recorded with full analogue authenticity. Eschewing modern digital techniques, the drum tracks were captured using a 24-track tape machine – raw, real, and with absolutely “no plastic!”
“The difference in sound compared to today’s standard drum productions is amazing and has had a positive effect on all the instruments,” Tom adds. “Naturally, time, effort and costs were also higher, but we’re happy to fork out for a superior result.”
It’s not just the sound that reflects the band’s dedication – the songwriting is a full-team effort. Angelripper, along with long-time guitarist Frank Blackfire, York Segatz, and drummer Toni Merkel, each brought something distinct to the table. “Frank contributed those typical Sodom riffs and hooks again, whereas York favours more epic songwriting,” says Tom. “As a perfect complement to both of them, Toni, who is also an excellent guitarist, contributed a number of songs and helped to make the album even more versatile.”
Today also marks the release of the album’s crushing first single, ‘Trigger Discipline’, described by the band as the toughest track on the record. A brutal commentary on violence and chaos, the track follows the story of a sniper descending into madness, shooting indiscriminately. A lyric video is now streaming online – watch below:
The Arsonist Tracklisting:
The Arsonist
Battle Of Harvest Moon
Trigger Discipline
The Spirits That I Called
Witchhunter
Scavenger
Gun Without Groom
Taphephobia
Sane Insanity
A.W.T.F.
Twilight Void
Obliteration Of The Aeons
Return To God In Parts
The album will be available as a CD digipak, double LP, digital download, and streaming formats.
Catch SODOM live in 2025:
12.04 – Metal Franconia Festival, Geiselwind (DE)
21.06 – Copenhell, Copenhagen (DK)
03.07 – Rock Harz Festival, Ballenstedt (DE)
More tour dates to be announced soon.
Pre-Order the new album via this link.
Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie
