It is hard to find a good thrash metal sound nowadays. Sodom’s latest album works well in this respect. A few songs are notable, but as usual, the whole album sounds like something I am more interested in.
: Critics widely agree that The Arsonist is a strong, consistent thrash metal album, maintaining Sodom’s signature aggression and energy. The album is praised for its lack of filler and for delivering a relentless, old-school thrash experience123.
: The production is noted for its analog, raw feel, reminiscent of late 1980s thrash, with a modern clarity that highlights every instrument. The band’s decision to avoid digital enhancements is seen as a positive, preserving the gritty edge of their sound234.
: Tracks like “Trigger Discipline,” “Battle of Harvest Moon,” and “Witchhunter” are frequently highlighted as standouts. The songwriting is described as direct and effective, with little experimentation but plenty of intensity156.
: Reviewers note the album’s clear influences from Slayer and Motörhead, but emphasize that Sodom retains its own identity, blending classic thrash with touches of early death metal and punk25.
: Longtime fans are generally enthusiastic, appreciating the band’s refusal to compromise or modernize their sound excessively. Many see The Arsonist as a worthy continuation of Sodom’s legacy, with some calling it the thrash album of the year4.
: While some fans and critics prefer the previous album Genesis XIX for its rawness, most agree that The Arsonist is a logical and satisfying follow-up, showcasing the band’s maturity and experience758.
: Some reviews mention that the album’s uniformity can lead to fatigue, with a few tracks blending together due to similar structures. However, this is generally seen as a minor issue in an otherwise strong release910.
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Rock Hard (GER) | 8/104 |
| Metal Hammer (GER) | 5/74 |
| Stormbringer (AT) | 5/54 |
| Powermeal (GER) | 9/104 |
| Deaf Forever (GER) | 8.5/104 |
| Legacy (GER) | 14/154 |
| MoreCore | 8.5/104 |
| Ghost Cult Mag | 8/102 |
| BangerTV | 4/57 |
The Arsonist is widely regarded as a powerful, no-nonsense thrash album that stays true to Sodom’s roots.
The album is celebrated for its energy, analog production, and strong performances, especially from Tom Angelripper and Frank Blackfire.
While not considered a radical reinvention, it is seen as a testament to Sodom’s enduring relevance and ability to deliver high-quality thrash metal well into their career124368.
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