Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Sodom – M-16 - The 20th Anniversary Edition (BMG)


 

Sodom released M-16 back in 2001.  It was a very successful album, and the band felt it was one of its strongest moments.  20 years later, M-16 gets a massive upgrade.  It is a massive vinyl reissue.  All of the songs are newly remastered, and brought up to the newest technology standards.  It now comes in shape of a box, and of course it has a military feel.  In addition to the album, there are two bootleg vinyl records with some unreleased tracks.  A very informative and extensive booklet, a USB bullet, and a Sodom dogtag.  If you felt your Sodom collection was lacking something, this more than makes up for it.

M-16 was considered a very strong album at the time of its release.  Sodom was riding high.  They were heavy, and sounding very cutting edge.  Sodom’s version of metal has undergone through a lot of metamorphosis.  By the time they got to M-16, they were already through several phases, and pretty much defined their style.  While never reaching true success in America, Sodom are a considerable presence in Europe and abroad.  They are one of the original and longest serving thrash metal bands.  Their achievements and influence on the scene very visible.

This is a very solid and heavy record.  It goes from ultra-fast to mid paced and takes no punches when it comes to heaviness.  The guitars sound crunchy, solid drumming.  All under the watchful eye of Tom Angelripper who plays bass and sings.  In fact, he is the only remaining member who is still carrying the Sodom torch.  M-16 has a historic value as the players who accompanied Angelripper are no longer in the band. 

The reissue of M-16 is a treat for any Sodom fan, and if you’re hearing this album for the first time, you won’t be disappointed.  The album rips and crushes anything in its immediate surroundings.  Your neighbors may complain if you play it too loud.  And its war theme will certainly send you on a special mission.

Mark Kadzielawa


No comments:

Post a Comment