Sodom are one of a trio of German bands that are acknowledged as pioneers/leaders of the 80′s thrash scene in Germany (the other two being Destruction and Kreator). Their early work had more in common with bands such as Venom and Hellhammer than straight-ahead thrash, with the result being that much of their work is chaotic, frenzied, a bit on the messy side. Despite mixed critical views, the band has continued to maintain a healthy fan base and are still churning out albums, the most recent being M-16, released in October of 2001. German black-metal band made up of Angel Ripper (bass/vocals), Aggressor (guitar/vocals), and Witchhunter (drums). They were heavily influenced by thrash/speed metal bands like Motorhead, Venom, and Mercyful Fate, exploring the darkest subject matter possible. Aggressor quit the group before their first full-length album was released and was succeeded in turn by Grave Violator, Destructor, and Blackfire. Mortal Way of Life, recorded on a European tour, was the first ever double live thrash album. The group opened for Sepultura on that band’s breakthrough European tour, and Michael Hoffman joined the group when Blackfire left for Kreator. Code Red followed in 1999 and Marooned was issued in fall 2000.
