Sodom
In the Sign of Evil/ Obsessed by cruelty

The first release of the future cult Sodom. This creation does not yet have thrash, playing which and thanks to which these Germans became famous. Here is black metal, which was gaining momentum at that time. At that time, that is, in the early 80s, this kind of music was played only by the legendary Englishmen Venom and no less legendary Swedes (more precisely, one Swede) Bathory. For today's listener, this album is of little interest, since the music on it is rather monotonous, there is no technique, no melodies. The lyrics are also primitive (Satan, death ...), with the exception of perhaps the song "Burst Command til War". Despite all these disadvantages, many fans like it, and two songs from it "Blasphemer" and "Witching Metal" the band even sometimes performs at concerts. I don't know if it can be considered a cult? I think so, but later Sodom released much better albums. Verdict: for a debut album, and even in the form of a mini-album, it is quite normal, I would even say good.

Two legendary releases in one edition! This is where the German extreme metal started! Highly recommended you seek this one out!

This CD compiles the first two albums from Sodom. While more known as a thrash metal band, this era shows a more black metal sound.

Sodom’s first LP, the almighty ‘Obsessed by Cruelty’, is a damn fine piece of black/thrash. I’d go as far as to say it’s easily one of the best albums of its kind from that era, Everything from the sleeve artwork, to the broken English lyrics, to the music itself, and yes, even the production, is awesome, and all live up to the standards it takes to deem an old 80’s black/death/thrash recording a classic.

This CD compiles the first two albums from Sodom. While more known as a thrash metal band, this era shows a more black metal sound, as evidenced in the darker lyrical content and more brutal riffs. Both albums are cool, but I'm personally partial to "Obsessed by Cruelty", as it retains the dark atmosphere while also featuring a bit more "on-point" musicianship.

The album may have been remastered by now, if it hasn't, it could use it, but still, "In The Sign..." is a thrashing balls out legendary album that no metal fan should be without. 5 STARS

"In the Sign of Evil" ΕΡ was just the beginning and "Obsessed by Cruelty", Sodom's first full-length album is the definition of a cult album and the quintessence of old school and underground philosophy.

Many of the essential records in the development of the heavy-metal underground were recorded in -- to be kind -- less than ideal conditions. So the p...