Birth of Malice


Birth of Malice is the sixteenth studio album by the German thrash metal band Destruction. It was released on 7 March 2025 through Napalm Records.

Background and promotion

On 23 January 2024, Destruction announced that they were working of their sixteenth studio album. On 6 June, the band the album's first single, titled "No Kings - No Masters". On 10 July, they released the second single, a cover song of Accept's "Fast as a Shark", which is also included in the 12" single of "No Kings - No Masters" released on the same day. On 12 November, Destruction announced the name of their sixteenth studio album Birth of Malice, and two days later, they released the third single "Destruction", their namesake song. On 23 January 2025, the band released the fourth single "A.N.G.S.T." On 20 February, they released the fifth and final single "Scumbag Human Race".

Critical reception

The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Jay H. Gorania from Blabbermouth.net gave the album 6.5 out of 10, stating that the album won't find regular rotation amongst thrash metal fans but it won't disappoint them either. James Weaver of Distorted Sound scored the album 7 out of 10 and called the album "a fine edition to the band's arsenal" and "a no holds barred thrash romp from one of the scene’s most loyal servants."

Track listing

Personnel

Destruction

  • Schmier – bass, lead vocals
  • Randy Black – drums
  • Damir Eskic – guitars, backing vocals
  • Martin Furia – guitars, backing vocals

    Additional personnel

  • Schmier – production
  • Martin Furia – production, recording, mixing, mastering
  • Randy Black – recording
  • V.O. Pulver – production, recording
  • Gyula Havancsák – artwork
  • Jennifer Gruber – photography

    Charts