While fans eagerly await the release of Destruction ’s 16th studio album, “Birth Of Malice”, out March 7th, 2025 via Napalm Records, the German thrash metal icons have released their third single, “Scumbag Human Race”. On this track, Schmier rages against the corruption and deceit of humanity, with the unforgettable chorus acting as a call for reckoning as the band spits fury at those who exploit and manipulate. A blistering thrash anthem, this track will resonate with anyone fed up with the state of the world.
Destruction on “Scumbag Human Race”:
“Single number three, ‘Scumbag Human Race’, is a mercyless steamhammer of a track! Its relentless groove and energy are pushing you straight forward into the moshpit! This will be an intense live track and that riff can melt faces!
The lyrics are metaphorically speaking: how would this planet call us if it could talk? And what would it tell us? Right …wake the fuck up … SCUMBAG HUMAN RACE!!!!“
Fans all over the world worship Destruction as one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career! As part of the legendary Teutonic 4 alongside German thrash icons Sodom, Tankard and Kreator, Destruction have forged a legacy that has been captured by German film makers Denise Dörne and Ilija Jelusic, who have created an exciting documentary about Destruction ’s eager plans to reunite the Teutonic 4 for a world tour. But in the pursuit of this dream, however, fate strikes. The film follows Schmier and his band up close as the pandemic hits, and after a fateful turn of events, everything is at stake. The movie was shot over the course of five years, resulting in exclusive material that sets it apart from traditional interview-heavy documentaries. The viewer experiences the protagonists in behind-the-scenes like atmospheres, immersing them in the world of Destruction. The film uncompromisingly shows what it means to be a heavy metal musician – amidst small, sweaty clubs and huge open air stages – enabling an authentic view into the core of one of the most undisputedly important, influential and genre-defying bands in thrash metal.
The movie will premiere in Berlin on March 6th, 2025, with the band and filmmakers also in attendance. 
Denise Dörner about the movie:
“This documentary is not a cheerful music clip, but a very serious story about passion and life. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that our idea could be realized so well, even if everything was completely thrown into disarray by the circumstances. I was allowed to look behind the scenes, travel with DESTRUCTION and empathize with them. I met my idols and many interesting people and also felt the full range of emotions. I’m very excited to see what people will think and feel about this journey.”
Ilija Jelusic adds:
“As a film team, we had a really good connection with Schmier and Destruction, who had a lot of trust in us. The film was made without a commission and without film funding. That means we had to finance everything ourselves, which also contained a big risk.
During the pandemic, none of us knew what would happen next and where the story of the film would go. Of course, it was a very moving time for us filmmakers as well. And then one adventure followed the next and suddenly we were off to Mexico. I am deeply grateful for the experiences we were able to gain through Destruction!”
On “Birth Of Malice”, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest “Diabolical” (2022), Destruction return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers!
The album is opened by the brutal “Destruction”, with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band’s 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title “Birth Of Malice” suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors – like selfish behavior on “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps”. A clear statement is made with carnage on “Scumbag Human Race”, exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus “I will count your days!”. The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging “No Kings – No Masters”. Destruction also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on “Cyber Warfare”. To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker “Fast As A Shark”.
All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. Destruction mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!
 |
1. Birth Of Malice 2. Destruction 3. Cyber Warfare 4. No Kings – No Masters 5. Scumbag Human Race 6. God Of Gore 7. A.N.G.S.T. 8. Dealer Of Death 9. Evil Never Sleeps 10. Chains Of Sorrow 11. Greed 12. Fast As A Shark |
[Photo credit: Elena Vasilaki]
