What makes Ausgebombt by Sodom notable?

Ausgebombt gained significant attention for its provocative themes and aggressive sound, becoming a staple in thrash metal circles. The album's title track was particularly notable for its commentary on the devastation of war, resonating with fans and critics alike; it helped Sodom establish a reputation that would influence future generations of heavy metal bands. Released in January 1989, Ausgebombt marked Sodom's transition from underground thrash metal pioneers to more widely recognized figures in the genre. Following their previous album, Persecution Mania, this record solidified their gritty sound and thematic focus on war, establishing them as key players in the German thrash metal scene.

How many songs are on Ausgebombt?

Ausgebombt has 3 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

Ausgebombt

Sodom · 1989

10 min · 3 tracks · thrash metal

Relentless thrash riffs collide with raw aggression, capturing the chaos of war and existential dread.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ausgebombt (German version) — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic core, with blistering guitar work and lyrics reflecting the horrors of wartime destruction. It stands out for its intense energy and potent lyrical imagery.
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Don't Walk Away — This track showcases Sodom's ability to blend melody with aggression, featuring catchy hooks amid relentless riffs that highlight their signature style. It serves as a crucial contrast to the heavier themes present in other songs.
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Incest (live) — As a live track, it captures the raw energy of Sodom's performances, showcasing their ability to engage audiences with visceral lyrical content and dynamic instrumentation. This performance illustrates the band’s reputation as a formidable live act.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong thrash elements but has limited cohesion due to its short length and live track inclusion.

What we noticed

The title track features rapid-fire guitar riffs and aggressive drumming that maintain a relentless pace throughout its duration.
The second track introduces a slower, more melodic section before returning to the thrash intensity, creating a dynamic contrast.
The live track 'Incest' captures the raw energy of a performance, with crowd noise and a more chaotic sound compared to the studio tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked Sodom's transition to wider recognition in thrash metal.
Career context: Released in January 1989, Ausgebombt marked Sodom's transition from underground thrash metal pioneers to more widely recognized figures in the genre. Following their previous album, Persecution Mania, this record solidified their gritty sound and thematic focus on war, establishing them as key players in the German thrash metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Kreator· Destruction· Sepultura