Lots of presents, congratulations, acknowledgements, commendations and what the hell else were collected by DESTRUCTION having their 25th band-jubilee back in 2007. Wacken was the ideal stage then to rock their anniversary in a worthy way! Definitely, as an icon in the Thrash Metal scene Schmier and Co. can be carried with a palanquin through the Metal world also nowadays. And as a phat “Thank You” for the support over all these years DESTRUCTION slaps The Curse Of The Antichrist – Live In Agony out in a time free from studio releases. And what suits better than anneal the mentioned Wacken gig and Tokyo sessions (for the rest of the world) for the ensuing ages?!
I wasn’t part of the crowd of the recorded gigs (no, also not in Far East ;)), so I just can begrudge the Metalheads in view to the setlist. The complete band width is served; classics like Thrash Till Death, Total Desaster or Bestial Invasion bulldoze the way for the Mad Butcher, who doesn’t take prisoners with Cracked Brain, Soulcollector up to D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.! Long story short: the who is who out of the DESTRUCTION history are continually coming and going on The Curse Of The Antichrist – Live In Agony. Because of not being on the ground at that time, I can’t judge the authenticity of the tracks. The clean sound, which carries the live-atmosphere much to thin, seems to be reworked quite intense. If it’s not the case, then hats off! But maybe this sound is chosen right self-conscious; having this tracklist on a “live-fully” jubilee-background up their sleeve this album can pass for a Best Of studio-release.
My recommendation: for nostalgist being part of Wacken: essential. For those who own the nearly complete background in their domestic CD-racks: needless. For all those who busy oneself with Thrash Metal for the first time: a good introduction.