Persecution Mania

Infobox Album |
Name = Persecution Mania
Type = studio
Artist = Sodom


Released = 1987
Recorded = October 1987
Genre = Thrash metal
Length = 34:39
Label = Steamhammer/SPV
Producer = John Harris
Reviews = *Allmusic Rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:clc8b594tsq0 link]
*Rock Hard rating-10|8 [http://www.rockhard.de/index.php?smod=p209MJ56rKOyMTyuWz1iMUIfo2qAo2D9pz9wn2uupzDhpzI2nJI3pl5xMKEunJkJnJI3Wzqlo3IjFHD9pzuspzI2nJI3WzAioaEyoaEWEQ0kAQZ1BFL%3D link] |
Last album = "Expurse of Sodomy" (1987)
This album = "Persecution Mania" (1987)
Next album = "Mortal Way of Live" (1988)

"Persecution Mania" is the second album by Sodom. The album marked a drastic change of sound from primitive black metal to thrash metal. As well as defining Sodom's sound, it exemplified the thrash metal genre at a time when it arguably peaked in popularity. The album also bore similarity to the music of fellow German bands such as Destruction and Kreator, and the term "Teutonic" thrash was coined from this.

Despite what the cover may imply, the lyrical themes of the album are centred more around politics and war than religion. This is largely due to the entry of guitarist Frank "Blackfire" Godznik, who brought new songwriting aspects to the band that gave them a much more organized and clearer sound, as well as help Sodom carve a lyrical niche that it still practices to this day. The outro guitar lead in track 9, "Bombenhagel", is the German national anthem, Das Lied der Deutschen.

It was rereleased in 2000 as part of a double pack with the Obsessed by Cruelty/In the Sign of Evil split. Both CD releases include the "Expurse of Sodomy" EP.

Track listing

#"Nuclear Winter" – 5:26
#"Electrocution" – 3:26
#"Iron Fist" – 2:45 (Motörhead Cover)
#"Persecution Mania" – 3:40
#"Enchanted Land" – 4:01
#"Procession to Golgotha" – 2:33
#"Christ Passion" – 6:13
#"Conjuration" – 3:44
#"Bombenhagel" – 5:11

The European CD release (Cat.-No. SPV 85-7509) has a rerecording of "Outbreak ofEvil" and the Expurse of Sodomy EP as bonus tracks:
#"Outbreak of Evil" (3:32)
#"Sodomy & Lust" (5:14)
#"The Conqueror" (3:29)
#"My Atonement" (6:05)

The cassette has only the rerecorded "Outbreak of Evil" as a bonus track.

Credits

* Tom Angelripper - Vocals/Bass
* Frank Blackfire - Guitars
* Chris Witchhunter - Drums

References