If there ever was a European equivalent to Metallica or Slayer, then it was most likely Germany’s Destruction. “Thrash Anthems” is a retrospective of the bands 25 year career, and basically they have re-recorded their old songs and recorded two new songs especially for the release ("Deposition (Your Heads Will Roll)" and "Profanity"). The album covers classic Destruction with material from 1984’s “Sentence Of Death” through to 1990’s “Cracked Brain” (There is nothing from the “Neo-Destruction” period in the late 90’s).

Kicking the album off in style with the classic “Bestial Invasion”, you can hear where many European bands have been influenced by Destruction, including Soilwork and Dimmu Borgir. “Profanity” is a 6 minute epic that could be found on any Destruction album, with Schmier, the German equivalent to Lemmy (Motorhead), bashing away on bass and providing vocals, Marc pounding at his kit like a man possessed and Mike brings the excellent riffs to the band.

“Release From Agony” and “Mad Butcher” are, arguably, the two definitive songs from the Destruction vault, but other classics that have also received a much deserved revamp are “Total Desester”, “Reject Emotions” and “Death Trap”, whilst the new song “Deposition (Your Heads Will Roll)” fitting in snugly in between them all.

Weighing in at 72 minutes Thrash Anthems may be a bit too much Destruction to listen to in one go. However, you couldn’t put together a better best of Destruction than this. If you’re new to Destruction then this is the album to buy. If you’re a classic Destruction fan then its worth buying to hear the classics re-recorded digitally!