Sodom (band)
{{Short description|German thrash metal band}}
{{use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Sodom
| image = Sodom Metal Frenzy 2022 08.jpg
| caption = Sodom performing in 2022
| image_size =
| landscape = yes
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| genre =
{{hlist|Thrash metal|black metal (early){{Cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/read/saga-true-black-metal-v15n5 |title=The Saga of True Norwegian Black Metal |date=May 2008 |publisher=Vice |first=Jon|last=Kristiansen|accessdate=March 1, 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119212158/https://www.vice.com/read/saga-true-black-metal-v15n5 |archivedate=November 19, 2011}}|}}
| origin = Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| discography = Sodom discography
| years_active = 1981–present
| label = Steamhammer
| website = {{URL|sodomized.info}}
| current_members = Tom Angelripper
Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik
Yorck Segatz
Toni Merkel
| past_members = Frank Testegen
Josef Dominic
Michael "Destructor" Wulf
Uwe Christophers
Uwe Baltrusch
Michael Hoffmann
Andy Brings
Dirk "Strahli" Strahlmeier
Christian "Witchhunter" Dudek
Atomic Steif
Bobby Schottkowski
Bernd "Bernemann" Kost
Markus "Makka" Freiwald
Stefan "Husky" Hüskens
}}
Sodom is a German thrash metal band from Gelsenkirchen, formed in 1981.{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/concerts/KREATOR_SODOM_DESTRUCTION.htm |title=Concert Reviews – KREATOR / SODOM / DESTRUCTION |publisher=Metal-Rules.com |date=2002-01-24 |access-date=2011-07-01}} They have gone through many lineup changes, with bassist/vocalist Tom Angelripper the only constant member. The band is currently composed of Angelripper, guitarists Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik (who was a member of Sodom from 1987 to 1989 and rejoined in 2018) and Yorck Segatz, and drummer Toni Merkel. Sodom has been referred to as one of the "Big Four" of Teutonic thrash metal, along with Kreator, Destruction and Tankard.{{Cite web |url=https://www.metalhalloffame.org/german-thrash-the-teutonic-big-4-tankard-sodom-destruction-kreator/ |title=German Thrash: The Teutonic Big 4: Tankard, Sodom, Destruction, Kreator |date=10 June 2022 |publisher= Metal Hall of Fame |accessdate=March 1, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/sodom-frontman-explains-why-a-big-four-of-german-thrash-tour-wont-happen |title=SODOM Frontman Explains Why A Big Four Of German Thrash Tour Won't Happen |publisher= Metal Injection |date= November 21, 2022 |accessdate=March 1, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sodom-mn0000031324/biography |title=Sodom – Biography |publisher=AllMusic |accessdate=March 30, 2024}}{{Cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/bands-pioneered-death-metal/ |title=11 BANDS CONSIDERED PIONEERS OF DEATH METAL |date=24 April 2020 |publisher=Loudwire |accessdate=March 30, 2024}} Sodom heavily influenced the German black metal scene,{{cite book |last1= Phillips |first1= William |last2= Cogan |first2= Brian |year= 2009 |title= Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music |location= Santa Barbara, California |publisher= ABC-CLIO |page= 217 |isbn= 978-0-313-34801-3}} and is regarded as a pioneer of death metal. Mike McPadden wrote that the most Venom-blackened of German "Three Kings" (Destruction and Kreator being the other two), Sodom further merged thrash and death metal into a "wicked and decadent sound."{{cite book |last=McPadden |first=Mike |year=2012 |title=If you like Metallica : here are over 200 bands, CDs, movies, and other oddities that you will love |location=Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |publisher=Backbeat Books |page=118}}
Sodom has released sixteen studio albums, three live albums, two compilation albums and seven EPs. They achieved their first commercial success with their third studio album, Agent Orange (1989), which was one of the first thrash metal albums to enter the German album charts, where it reached number 36.{{cite web|title=Sodom – Agent Orange|url=http://www.officialcharts.de/album.asp?artist=Sodom&title=Agent+Orange&country=de|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150104060632/http://www.officialcharts.de/album.asp?artist=Sodom&title=Agent+Orange&country=de|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 January 2015|work=officialcharts.de|access-date=January 3, 2015}} Their most recent studio album, Genesis XIX, was released on 27 November 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-to-release-genesis-xix-album-in-november-cover-artwork-and-track-listing-unveiled/|title=SODOM To Release 'Genesis XIX' Album In November; Cover Artwork And Track Listing Unveiled|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=September 18, 2020|date=September 18, 2020}} Sodom is one of the best-selling thrash metal acts of all time, having sold over two million records.Multiple sources:
- {{cite web|title=SPV: ROCK OF AGES – Bringing The best Of Europe To America|url=http://www.cuttingedgerocks.com/spv_rock.html|work=cuttingedgerocks.com|access-date=January 3, 2015}}
- {{cite web|title=Metal Metropolis – Sodom|url=http://www.metal-metropolis.com/sodom.htm|work=metal-metropolis.com|access-date=January 3, 2015}}
- {{cite web|title=Sodom Interview (Tom Angelripper)|url=http://www.thewelkin.net/sodom-interview-tom-angelripper.html|work=thewelkin.net|date=February 10, 2008|access-date=January 3, 2015}}
History
=Formation and early years (1981–1986)=
File:Sodom München 2016 (5 von 10).jpg
Sodom's original lineup consisted of Tom "Angelripper" Such, Bloody Monster, Arius "Blasphemer", and Aggressor. Reportedly named in reference to the Venom song "One Thousand Days in Sodom", the band was initiated by Tom as a desperate attempt to get out of having to work in coal mines in his home town of Gelsenkirchen. The band became a cohesive unit when Chris Witchhunter (Christian Dudek) from Essen replaced Bloody Monster on drums, bringing songwriting experience from his time in school, and spearheading the creativity process after Arius had been fired. Taking inspiration from bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motörhead, Venom, Kiss, Tank, Accept, Raven, Rainbow, AC/DC and UFO,{{cn|date=September 2024}} the group continued as a three-piece in the Motörhead-fashion and released two demos which led to a record deal with Steamhammer. Aggressor left the band shortly before releasing the In the Sign of Evil EP (which is generally regarded as an important early black metal release), and was replaced by Grave Violator, who himself did not last long, and left following the recording of In the Sign of Evil. Michael "Destructor" Wulf was found as a replacement, after which the band went and recorded Obsessed by Cruelty (1986), their full-length debut featuring music that was mostly in the vein of In the Sign of Evil. Wulf did not last in the band long, and later joined Kreator{{cite book|title=The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=Guinness Publishing|date=1995|edition=Second|isbn=0-85112-656-1|pages=332/3}} (where he also only had a brief stint; he died after a tragic motorcycle accident in 1993).
=Change to thrash metal and increasing popularity (1987–1990)=
For the most part, Sodom was at first not taken seriously, with various press sources describing them as "a second-rate Venom clone with semi-inventive lyrics"; one member would change that. Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik came in to fill the guitar spot Wulf had left behind. Frank convinced Tom that thrash metal was moving beyond horror/occult/satanic themes of bands like Venom to embrace political, societal, and war themes. Tom was already interested in various wars yet remained a peacenik. New inspiration culminated into Gosdzik's full-length debut with the band, 1987's Persecution Mania. The new lyrical approach and increased musicianship on the part of Frank gave the band great acclaim (as well as a gas-masked mascot Knarrenheinz, who appeared for the first time on Persecution Mania{{'}}s cover). They subsequently toured Europe with Whiplash, Destruction, and Coroner.{{cite web|url=http://metallipromo.com/de.html|title=Destruction Tour Dates|work=metallipromo.com|access-date=6 June 2021}} After that, the band returned to the studio to make another album. The resulting album, Agent Orange (1989), sold 100,000 copies in Germany alone. It was this album that made Sodom famous, giving them worldwide critical acclaim, and secured their place alongside Kreator and Destruction as one of the great Teutonic thrash metal bands. To this date, Agent Orange has sold more than any other German thrash metal album in the world.{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}} In support of the album, Sodom went on tour with a then-unknown Sepultura.
Problems were brewing inside of the band, however. Tom and Chris descended further into alcoholism. Furthermore, Frank had grown tired of composing music that his bandmates would often perform poorly live. Mille Petrozza offered Frank a position with his band Kreator, after they lost their second guitarist, and Frank accepted. Angelripper went out looking for a replacement and found Michael Hoffmann, formerly of German thrashers Assassin.
=Changes in formation (1990–1996)=
File:Sodom-hole in the sky-by Christian-Misje.jpg 2009]]
With a new line-up, the album Better off Dead was released in 1990, and another grueling tour in Europe followed, playing with bands like Acid Drinkers, Destruction, Accu§er, Running Wild, Coroner, Tankard and Atrocity. During the South American tour, Hoffmann decided to stay in Brazil and was therefore forced to quit. Andy Brings replaced him, and a new album was recorded, Tapping the Vein (1992), with elements of death metal. This proved to be the last album with the drummer Witchhunter: He was kicked out of the band, and Atomic Steif formerly of both Holy Moses and Living Death became his replacement behind the drum kit.
On 15 September 1991, Sodom played in Sofia, Bulgaria. The show was notable for the band because the audience of fifteen thousand people was one of the largest they had ever as a headliner. It was notable for the audience because it was the first show of a Western metal band in Bulgaria after the fall of communism (the only remotely similar event being a performance of the hard rock band Uriah Heep in 1987).{{cn|date=April 2025}}
The group's next album, Get What You Deserve (1994), introduced punk-infused sound. Get What You Deserve had an arguably grotesque album cover (featuring a dead man shot and lying in his bed with a woman tied-up nearby), and many fans did not take to the band's new direction. This period also marked the beginning of less international visibility for the band as thrash lost its commercial viability for the remainder of the 1990s, due to the rising popularity of grunge and alternative rock. Angelripper also started a solo career doing metal impressions of drinking songs, German Schlagers and even Christmas-type carols. A live album was recorded of the tour in support of the resulting album called Marooned – Live.
Masquerade in Blood added groove metal to the group's evolving blend of crossover thrash and death metal. It was released in 1995 and the update of their style was successful.{{cite web|title=Masquerade in Blood – Sodom review|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/masquerade-in-blood-mw0000615324|publisher=Allmusic|author=Eduardo Rivadavia}} Again another guitarist had to be found. The new choice, Strahli, did not stay very long with the band. He was arrested and imprisoned on drug-related matters, and the band had since lost contact with him, until January 2011, when they learned that he had died in Düsseldorf.{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153053 |title=Blabbermouth.Net – Former Sodom Guitarist Dirk Strahlmeier Dies |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=2011-07-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811083044/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153053 |archive-date=2011-08-11 }} Atomic Steif also left and again Angelripper needed to search for new members. These were found: a guitarist in Bernemann and a drummer in Bobby Schottkowski. This line-up stabilized the band significantly and lasted until December 2010, when Schottkowski left.
=Return to thrash metal (1997–2009)=
Sodom's eighth studio album 'Til Death Do Us Unite (1997) spawned the song for which Sodom would make their most famous music video, the highly-controversial song "Fuck the Police". After this album, Sodom returned to the studio and released Code Red in 1999 which marked a full return to the Teutonic thrash metal sound of the 1980s, and it was met with praise from fans and press alike. A limited edition featured a bonus CD containing a tribute to Sodom album, Homage to the Gods. With 2001 came the release of M-16, a concept album about the movie Apocalypse Now, which took its title from the famed M16 assault rifle.
In 2003, a double live album was recorded in Bangkok, Thailand, titled One Night in Bangkok. A new album simply titled Sodom was released in 2006, in the same vein as M-16. The title was chosen – as Angelripper explained it – "because every band needs a self-titled album", and the band had never released one. The album was delayed however, because the DVD Lords of Depravity took more time to compose than initially thought.
In 2007, Tom was asked by the record label Steamhammer for any tracks to be released on the In the Sign of Evil EP. Tom believed there were, and the label floated the idea to Tom to get ex-members Chris Witchhunter and Grave Violator (real name: Franz Josef "Peppi" Dominik) to re-record the EP with the bonus tracks. The result became The Final Sign of Evil. Chris "Witchhunter" Dudek died on 7 September 2008 from liver failure after a long battle with illness."Remember The Fallen", Terrorizer, Issue 176, November 2008
In 2009, Sodom returned to the UK to play their first show in the country in 20 years at Bloodstock Open Air.
=Markus {{nobold|"}}Makka{{nobold|"}} Freiwald-era (2010–2017)=
File:Sodom München 2016 (10 von 10).jpg
In War and Pieces, Sodom's thirteenth studio album, was released in Europe on 22 November 2010, and released in North America on 11 January 2011.{{cite web|url=http://sputnikmusic.com/news.php?newsid=15632 |title=Sodom album artwork |publisher=Sputnikmusic |access-date=2011-07-01}} On 30 November 2010, it was announced that Bobby Schottkowski would be leaving the band, due to "personal and private problems" between Tom Angelripper and Schottkowski.{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/notes/sodom/end-of-the-cooperation-between-sodom-and-the-drummer-bobby-schottkowski/164757973559237#!/notes/sodom/end-of-the-cooperation-between-sodom-and-the-drummer-bobby-schottkowski/164757973559237 |title=End of the cooperation between Sodom and the drummer Bobby Schottkowski |publisher=Facebook |date= 30 November 2010 |access-date=2011-07-01}} On 8 December 2010, Markus "Makka" Freiwald was announced to be Sodom's new drummer.{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=150595 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215010152/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=150595 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-12-15 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – SODOM Announces New Drummer |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=2011-07-01 }}
In late January 2012, Sodom began writing their fourteenth studio album, which they planned to record in May 2012 for a late summer release.{{cite web|title=SODOM To Record New Album In May|date=31 January 2012|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-to-record-new-album-in-may/|publisher=BlabberMouth}} On 17 December 2012, the band announced the album would be released on 29 April 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-to-release-new-album-in-april/#kV82ocRjP0XEI8fU.99 |title=Sodom To Release New Album In April |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=2012-12-17 |access-date=2014-07-29}} The album is titled Epitome of Torture and features 13 tracks.{{cite web|url=http://thrashm.tl/2013/02/sodoms-epitome-of-torture-due-april/|title=sodom, epitome of torture|publisher=Thrashm.tl|access-date=2014-07-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104054021/http://thrashm.tl/2013/02/sodoms-epitome-of-torture-due-april/|archive-date=2015-01-04}} The album was released in Germany on 26 April, and in the US on 7 May.
In November 2014, Sodom released the EP Sacred Warpath as a preview of their fifteenth studio album. The EP contains one original studio track, and live versions of three previously released songs.{{cite web|title=Sodom To Release 'Sacred Warpath' EP|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-to-release-sacred-warpath-ep/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 17, 2014|access-date=January 3, 2015}}
On 9 June 2016, Sodom announced their fifteenth studio album Decision Day on their Facebook page. It was released on August 26 of that year.{{cite web|title=Sodom To Release 'Decision Day' Album In August|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-to-release-decision-day-album-in-august/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 9, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2016}}
Sodom released the compilation album, Demonized, on 1 September 2017. Available only on cassette and 12" vinyl, it features the band's first two demo recordings, Witching Metal from 1982 and Victims of Death from 1984.
Shortly after the release of Decision Day, Angelripper stated that Sodom had "some ideas for [their] next album which [they] want to bring out in 2018."{{cite web|title=INTERVIEW: Tom Angelripper – Sodom|url=http://distortedsoundmag.com/interview-tom-angelripper-sodom/|work=distortedsoundmag.com|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=August 19, 2017}}
=Reunion with Frank {{nobold|"}}Blackfire{{nobold|"}} Gosdzik (2017–present)=
File:Sodom Rockharz 2018 13.jpg
On 3 December 2017, Sodom announced that they would reunite with three of their former guitarists Josef "Grave Violator" Dominic (who performed on In the Sign of Evil), Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik (Persecution Mania and Agent Orange) and Andy Brings (Tapping the Vein and Get What You Deserve) during their 35th anniversary show on 26 December in Bochum, Germany, marking the first time since Dominic, Gosdzik and Brings left the band in 1985, 1989, and 1995, respectively, that either guitarist had performed live with Sodom. Their previous performances were at Wacken in 2007.{{cite web|title=Sodom To Be Rejoined By Three Former Guitarists At 35th-Anniversary Concert In Germany|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-to-be-rejoined-by-three-former-guitarists-at-35th-anniversary-concert-in-germany/|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 3, 2017|access-date=December 3, 2017}} They performed three songs separate from one another's appearances from the respective albums they appeared on.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-sodom-rejoined-by-three-former-guitarists-at-35th-anniversary-concert-in-germany/|title=Video: SODOM Rejoined By Three Former Guitarists At 35th-Anniversary Concert In Germany|date=31 December 2017|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=31 December 2017}}
On 5 January 2018, Angelripper announced his partings from Bernemann and Makka "to pave the way for new challenges." He then said that he would introduce the new members on 7 April at the 2018 edition of the Full Metal Mountain festival, and that they would work on a new album together.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-parts-ways-with-guitarist-drummer/|title=SODOM Parts Ways With Guitarist, Drummer|date=5 January 2018|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=January 5, 2018}} Bernemann and Makka later said that they were fired from the band via WhatsApp without Angelripper listening to the new material they were working on for the band's next album.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-guitarist-and-drummer-were-fired-via-whatsapp/|title=SODOM Guitarist And Drummer Were Fired Via WhatsApp|date=8 January 2018|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=8 January 2018}} On 22 January 2018, Angelripper announced that he had expanded the band's line-up as a four piece. He was rejoined by guitarist Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik and added Stefan "Husky" Hüskens and Yorck Segatz as the band's new drummer and second guitarist respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-announces-new-lineup-expands-to-four-piece/|title=SODOM Announces New Lineup, Expands To Four-Piece|date=22 January 2018|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=22 January 2018}} On 26 February 2018, Sodom cancelled their appearance at the Full Metal Mountain festival "due to the short-term change of line-up and the restructuring of my band Sodom", as explained by Angelripper. He then said that the time was "simply too short to put the new line-up in a solid live set".{{cite web|url=https://www.full-metal-mountain.com/en/news/news/news-detail/sodom-have-to-cancel-their-performance-at-full-metal-mountain-2018/|title=Sodom have to cancel their performance at Full Metal Mountain 2018|publisher=full-metal-mountain.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} The new line-up of the band made their live debut on 18 May at the 2018 edition of the Rock Hard Festival.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/watch-new-sodom-lineup-perform-live-for-first-time/|title=Watch New SODOM Lineup Perform Live For First Time|date=19 May 2018|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=19 May 2018}} Sodom also participated in the 2018 installment of the MTV Headbangers Ball European Tour with Death Angel, Suicidal Angels and Exodus from late November to mid-December.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-death-angel-and-suicidal-angels-to-join-forces-for-mtv-headbangers-ball-european-tour/|title=SODOM, DEATH ANGEL And SUICIDAL ANGELS To Join Forces For 'MTV Headbangers Ball' European Tour|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 1, 2018|access-date=June 6, 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/-to-headline-european-mtv-headbangers-ball-tour/|title= To Headline European 'MTV Headbangers Ball Tour'|date=14 July 2018|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 14, 2018}} This new lineup recorded the EPs Partisan (2018) and Out of the Frontline Trench (2019).{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-to-release-partisan-ep-in-november/|title=SODOM To Release 'Partisan' EP In November|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 11, 2018|access-date=September 24, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-to-release-out-of-the-frontline-trench-ep-in-november/|title=SODOM To Release 'Out Of The Frontline Trench' EP In November|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=4 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/av/new-music/sodom-knocks-you-down-on-new-song-down-on-your-knees|title=SODOM Knocks You Down On New Song "Down On Your Knees"|website=Metal Injection|date=19 October 2019|access-date=19 October 2019}}
On 13 January 2020, drummer Stefan "Husky" Hüskens departed the band due to "some changes at [his] full-time job, as well as a few other matters", and would not return in the future.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-drummer-stefan-husky-huskens-exits-band/|title=SODOM Drummer STEFAN 'HUSKY' HÜSKENS Exits Band|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=13 January 2020|access-date=13 January 2020}} He was replaced by Toni Merkel.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-recruits-drummer-toni-merkel/|title=SODOM Recruits Drummer TONI MERKEL|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=23 January 2020|access-date=23 January 2020}}
On 12 June 2020, Sodom announced that they had begun recording their sixteenth studio album, entitled Genesis XIX, at Woodhouse Studio in Hagen, Germany with producer Siggi Bemm.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-begins-recording-genesis-xix-album/|title=SODOM Begins Recording 'Genesis XIX' Album|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=June 13, 2020|date=June 12, 2020}} Mixing of the album was completed in August 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-completes-mixing-genesis-xix-album|title=SODOM Completes Mixing 'Genesis XIX' Album|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=23 August 2020|access-date=31 August 2020}} A month later, it was announced that the album would be released on 27 November.
On 11 May 2021, Sodom announced an upcoming EP titled Bombenhagel, containing a re-recorded version of the song "Bombenhagel" from their 1987 album Persecution Mania as well as two new tracks, set to be released on 20 August.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-bombenhagel-ep-details-revealed/|title=SODOM: 'Bombenhagel' EP Details Revealed|website=Blabbermouth|date=21 May 2021|access-date=19 August 2021}}
In a December 2021 interview with Rockman, Tom Angelripper revealed that Sodom had begun writing new material for their next album.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DYsKOlv98U&feature=youtu.be|title=Episode #8: Derrick Green (Sepultura) & Tom Angelripper (Sodom)|website=YouTube|date=3 December 2021 }} A month later, Sodom was announced as one of the bands to have its contract with SPV/Steamhammer Records renewed.{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/sodom-magnum-rage-virgin-steele-axel-rudi-pell-and-more-steamhammer-spvs-longtime-bands-renew-contracts-yet-again|title=SODOM, MAGNUM, RAGE, VIRGIN STEELE, AXEL RUDI PELL, And More; Steamhammer / SPV's Longtime Bands Renew Contracts Yet Again|publisher=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|access-date=January 23, 2022|date=January 17, 2022}} In May 2022, Angelripper said that the band's new album would be released in 2023;{{cite web|url=https://www.rafabasa.com/2022/05/30/sodom-entrevista-con-tom-angelripper-antes-de-rock-imperium/|title=SODOM – Entrevista con Tom Angelripper antes de ROCK IMPERIUM|date=30 May 2022 |publisher=rafabasa.com|language=es|access-date=6 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=46321|title=Sodom – To Release New Record In 2023|publisher=Metal Storm|access-date=June 7, 2022|date=June 7, 2022}} he later stated that it would not be released until 2024.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-frontman-says-next-lp-will-be-bands-heaviest-album-ever|title=SODOM Frontman Says Next LP Will Be Band's 'Heaviest Album Ever'|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=June 13, 2023|date=November 9, 2022}} Angelripper confirmed in September 2024 that the album was finished for a late 2024 or early 2025 release.{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=55595|title=Sodom - Finishing New Album|publisher=Metal Storm|access-date=September 20, 2024|date=September 20, 2024}} The resulting album, titled The Arsonist, is due for release on 27 June 2025.{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/sodom-to-release-the-arsonist-in-june-cover-art-revealed/|title=SODOM To Release The Arsonist In June; Cover Art Revealed|website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|access-date=April 4, 2025|date=April 4, 2025}}
To coincide with its 40th anniversary, Sodom released the compilation album 40 Years at War – The Greatest Hell of Sodom on 28 October 2022. The set includes one song from each of the band's studio albums between Obsessed by Cruelty and Genesis XIX, in addition to "Sepulchral Voice" from the In the Sign of Evil EP.{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/sodom-to-release-40th-anniversary-album-40-years-at-war-the-greatest-hell-of-sodom-in-october|title=SODOM To Release 40th Anniversary Album, 40 Years At War – The Greatest Hell Of Sodom, In October|publisher=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|access-date=August 5, 2022|date=August 5, 2022}} The band released another EP, 1982, on 10 November 2023, which includes both the title track and re-recordings of the band's early songs.{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/sodom-to-release-1982-ep-in-november | title=SODOM to Release '1982' EP in November | date=25 August 2023 }}
On 31 July 2023 it was announced that Sodom (along with Kreator, Destruction and Tankard) were on the bill for the Klash of the Ruhrpott festival, which took place at Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on 20 July 2024. This show marked the first time that all of the "Big Teutonic Four" bands had performed together.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-31 |title='Big Four' Of German Thrash Metal, KREATOR, SODOM, DESTRUCTION And TANKARD, Announce 2024 Festival |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/big-four-of-german-thrash-metal-kreator-sodom-destruction-and-tankard-announce-2024-festival |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Blabbermouth.net |language=en}}
Artistry
=Musical style and influences=
In the early days Sodom's lyrics focused on Satanic and occult themes, but since Persecution Mania, most of their songs have covered topics based on, inspired by, or related to the concepts of war, politics, fascism and world history. Some of their songs have also covered topics dealing with religion, rape or sexual intercourse, almost often presented in a humorous light. Their political-related lyrics had led some people to think that the band was militarist, but on closer observation the listener would find the lyrics actually being anti-war. In an interview with Metalkings.com Tom Angelripper said: "Why are we writing about war? Because we don't want war. We wanna describe how bad the war is."{{cite web|url=http://www.metalkings.com/sodom/sodom.htm |title=Sodom Interview |publisher=Metalkings.com |access-date=2014-07-29}} The chorus of the song "Ausgebombt" also gives a very clear message: "No trade with death, No trade with arms, Dispense the war, Learn from the past."{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Sodom/Agent_Orange/2583?songId=24114#24114 |title=Sodom – Agent Orange – Encyclopaedia Metallum |publisher=The Metal Archives |access-date=2014-07-29}}
Sodom has been influenced or inspired by a variety of music, including AC/DC, Accept, Anvil, Jeff Beck, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Fates Warning, Jimi Hendrix, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Mercyful Fate, Motörhead, Pink Floyd, Queen, Rainbow, Santana, Saxon, Scorpions, Slade, Slayer, Tank, Thin Lizzy, Uriah Heep, Steve Vai, Venom and Frank Zappa.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sodom-mn0000031324/related |title=Sodom: Similar Artists |work=Allmusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=September 24, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.givememetal.com/thrashmetaltrees/sodom-family-tree|title=Sodom Family Tree — The Metal|website=givememetal.com|date=December 2020 |access-date=May 4, 2021}}
=Legacy and influence=
Sodom has influenced numerous metal acts such as Burzum, Cannibal Corpse, Dark Tranquility, Deicide, Enslaved, Evildead, Evile, Incantation, Mayhem, Morbid Angel, Necrodeath, Necromantia, Obituary, Rotting Christ, Sepultura and Tsjuder.
Band members
=Current line-up=
- Tom Angelripper – bass {{small|(1981–present)}}, vocals {{small|(1984–present)}}
- Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik – lead guitar {{small|(1987–1989, 2018–present)}}
- Yorck Segatz – rhythm guitar {{small|(2018–present)}}
- Toni Merkel – drums {{small|(2020–present)}}
=Former members=
- Christian "Witchhunter" Dudek – drums {{small|(1981–1992) (died 2008)}}
- Frank "Aggressor" Testegen – vocals, guitars {{small|(1981–1984)}}
- Rainer "Bloody Monster" Focke – drums {{small|(1981)}}
- Josef "Grave Violator" Dominic – guitars {{small|(1984–1985)}}
- Michael "Destructor" Wulf – guitars {{small|(1985–1986) (died 1993)}}
- Uwe Christophers – guitars {{small|(1986) (died 2022)}}
- Uwe Baltrusch – guitars {{small|(1989–1990)}}
- Michael Hoffmann – guitars {{small|(1990)}}
- Andy Brings – guitars {{small|(1991–1995)}}
- Guido "Atomic Steiff" Richter – drums {{small|(1993–1996)}}
- Dirk "Strahli" Strahlmeier – guitars {{small|(1995–1996) (died 2011)}}
- Bernd "Bernemann" Kost – guitars {{small|(1996–2018)}}
- Bobby Schottkowski – drums {{small|(1997–2010)}}
- Markus "Makka" Freiwald – drums {{small|(2010–2018)}}
- Stefan "Husky" Hüskens – drums {{small|(2018–2020)}}
=Timeline=
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:18
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Period = from:08/01/1981 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
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id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:lguitar value:teal legend:Lead_guitar
id:rguitar value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
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id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_album
id:Lines2 value:gray(0.5) legend:EP
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at:10/01/1990 color:black layer:back
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bar:Uwe text:"Uwe Christoffers"
bar:Frank1 text:"Frank 'Blackfire' Gosdzik"
bar:Michael text:"Michael Hoffmann"
bar:Andy text:"Andy Brings"
bar:Dirk text:"Dirk 'Strahli' Strahlmeier"
bar:Bernd text:"Bernd 'Bernemann' Kost"
bar:Yorck text:"Yorck Segatz"
bar:Rainer text:"Rainer Focke"
bar:Chris text:"Christian 'Witchhunter' Dudek"
bar:Guido text:"Guido 'Atomic Steiff' Richter"
bar:Bob text:"Bobby Schottkowski"
bar:Mark text:"Markus 'Makka' Freiwald"
bar:Husky text:"Stefan 'Husky' Hüskens"
bar:Merkel text:"Toni Merkel"
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bar:Uwe from:07/01/1986 till:11/01/1986 color:lguitar
bar:Uwe from:07/01/1986 till:11/01/1986 color:rguitar width:3
bar:Frank1 from:11/01/1986 till:01/01/1990 color:lguitar
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bar:Chris from:11/01/1981 till:01/01/1993 color:drums
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bar:Bob from:09/01/1996 till:12/01/2010 color:drums
bar:Mark from:12/01/2010 till:01/05/2018 color:drums
bar:Husky from:01/22/2018 till:01/13/2020 color:drums
bar:Merkel from:01/23/2020 till:end color:drums
}}
Discography
{{main|Sodom discography}}
- Obsessed by Cruelty (1986)
- Persecution Mania (1987)
- Agent Orange (1989)
- Better Off Dead (1990)
- Tapping the Vein (1992)
- Get What You Deserve (1994)
- Masquerade in Blood (1995)
- 'Til Death Do Us Unite (1997)
- Code Red (1999)
- M-16 (2001)
- Sodom (2006)
- The Final Sign of Evil (2007)
- In War and Pieces (2010)
- Epitome of Torture (2013)
- Decision Day (2016)
- Genesis XIX (2020)
- The Arsonist (2025)
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons and category}}
- {{official website|http://www.sodomized.info}}
- {{Discogs artist}}
- {{AllMusic | class = artist | id = p5471 | tab = biography | label = Biography of Sodom | first = Steve | last = Huey | access-date = 2012-04-25 }}
- {{cite web|url=http://www.sodom.hu/ |title=Tribute to Sodom|work=Hungarian fansite|language= en, hu }}
- {{cite web |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/gelsenkirchen/sodom |title=Biography |publisher=MusicMight |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504072653/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/gelsenkirchen/sodom |archive-date=2010-05-04 }}
{{Sodom}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sodom}}
Category:1981 establishments in West Germany
Category:German thrash metal musical groups
Category:German musical quartets
Category:German political music groups
Category:Musical groups established in 1981