Destruction with Krisiun - BB Kings (4/7/09)

Call 'em 'German Thrash Gods' or 'cheese-ball extraordinaires', either way there is no disputing that Destruction was on top form at BB Kings (NYC) last night (4/7/09). After taking a breather from the US, this was their first time back in a bit, and with them they brought a new album, D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.

Opening for the foreign metal trio was... another foreign metal trio. Krisiun, a Brazilian death/thrash band. When I got to the venue Krisiun were midway through their set and I immediately bumped into Marc, the drummer of Destruction, before I could get through the door. Marc got me and my friend into the show, and after an awkward exchange let me politely know that my other friend would have to buy her own ticket. I guess considering that I met this guy for approximetely 10 minutes one year prior to this show it was a bit much to ask for 3 tickets, but fuck it, its worth a shot anyway. As we made our way and straight to the bar, I can honestly say that the joint wasn't sold out but everyone there seemed to be very into Krisiuns set. As a metal diehard, I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I didn't know too much of of their stuff, but I had given the new album, Southern Storm a few spins and liked what I heard. 'Combustion Inferno' was the song of night from them and got the crowd juiced. Brutal, thrashy, classic.

Destruction, who were set to hit the stage at 9, didn't make it on till closer till 9:30, which made everyone in the crowd a bit drunker. It seems I am not the only metal fan that hits the bar during even the briefest moments of boredom. Big shocker there. The Germans opened up with 'Soul Collector', an interesting choice from the Inventor of Evil album out in 2005. Not my favorite, but points for being fast.as.fuck. With basically no banter in between songs, the band sped right into the title track off of D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N., which is also easily the heaviest and most brutal of the album. The set was fast, clean, and bare-bones thrash metal. Since the current lineup consists of only one original member (guitarist - Mike Sifringer) a few of the older songs were ditched to make room for the material played by the 'new boys' onstage. I use the term 'new boys' loosely, since both frontman, Shmier, and drummer, Marc, have been in the band nearly 10 years. Still, in some sense that is just a drop in the bucket to Destructions 25-years-and-still-going run. I ditched my friends to push my way up to the baracade for the end of the show, catching a flaunty drum solo, and the encore up close. I couldn't help but notice I appeared to be 1 of the 5 women in attendance, and yet still taller than the majority of the crowd.

After the show I stuck around to thank Marc for getting us in and he invited me and my friends backstage. I got to chat with the boys, who were all drinking and in good spirits. Being that it was the last date on the tour, everyones guard was down and ready to let loose. Marc quickly thanked me for coming and then rushed off to the bus with a lady friend he picked up. Although I had no interest in pulling a groupie-type-thang with him, I should have left after that. Of course I decided to stay and drink their beer and eat their food. Bless these boys.