Released 40 years ago
Obsessed by Cruelty
Sodom · 1986
37 min · 11 tracks · thrash metal
Raw aggression and chaotic energy define this essential thrash metal debut, delivering relentless riffs and dark themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Deathlike Silence — This track stands out with its rapid-fire drumming and frantic guitar work, encapsulating the urgency and aggression that defines the album.
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Obsessed by Cruelty — As the title track, it features complex song structures and intense lyrical themes that highlight Sodom's unique approach to thrash metal.
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Witchhammer — Short yet impactful, this track showcases the band's ability to create memorable hooks within a brisk runtime, emphasizing their energetic style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases raw aggression and chaotic energy typical of early thrash metal while establishing Sodom's unique sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro that sets a dark tone before launching into fast-paced, aggressive riffs across the first five tracks.
- Vocals are delivered in a harsh, guttural style that complements the chaotic instrumentation, often layered with backing screams.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, shifting from rapid thrash sections to slower, heavier breakdowns, creating a sense of unpredictability.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- relentless energetic flow
- short bursts of aggression
- headbanging party ignition
- focused listening with intensity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, soothing sounds
- seek long, meditative tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album established Sodom's reputation in the thrash metal scene.
- Themes
- German thrash origins· war and violence imagery· dark urban landscapes
- Career context
- Released in January 1986, 'Obsessed by Cruelty' marked Sodom's debut album, establishing them as key figures in the German thrash metal scene. At this point, the band was still emerging from the underground, having previously released a demo that hinted at their intense sound and lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kreator· Destruction· Sepultura
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Proselytism Real
The shift from abstract commentary to direct confrontation highlights societal hypocrisy regarding power and belief systems.
This transition emphasizes Sodom's critique of dogma and authority, showcasing their lyrical depth beyond mere aggression.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro (The Rebirth...) 1:53
- 2 Deathlike Silence 5:07
- 3 Brandish the Sceptre 2:56
- 4 Proselytism Real 3:32
- 5 Equinox 3:33
- 6 Obsessed by Cruelty 5:48
- 7 Fall of Majesty Town 4:02
- 8 Nuctemeron 3:00
- 9 Pretenders to the Throne 2:39
- 10 Witchhammer 2:03
- 11 Volcanic Slut 3:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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