Sodom’s Journey to “Obsessed by Cruelty”

Setting the Stage for a Breakthrough

In their quest to create their first proper album, Sodom returned to Horst Müller’s studio in Berlin. The band was determined to work more professionally, promising a commitment to their music. However, the reality was quite different, as nightly parties fueled by copious amounts of beer dominated the recording sessions. This chaotic environment led to questions about the record label’s decision to scrap the initial recordings. Tom Angelripper recalls, “Once again, a label representative stopped by and said, ‘We can’t release this. This sound is abysmal.’ It definitely sounded worse than In the Sign of Evil.”

Re-Recording Under Pressure

Faced with the need to re-record, SPV/Steamhammer’s founder Manfred Schütz took a hands-on approach. He intercepted the band before their next studio session, urging them, “Boys, get your shit together!” The new recording sessions were moved to Hilpoltstein, Franconia, a remote location chosen to impose strict no-alcohol rules. This studio was previously used by Destruction for their album, Eternal Devastation. The villagers, accustomed to a quieter life, must have been bewildered by the sight of leather-clad metalheads roaming their streets.

The Deception of the Decoy

Despite the label’s directives, the band found ways to indulge in their revelry. Tom reminisces about their stay at a guesthouse where the owner would leave crates of beer in their room. “We had to hide the beer from the producer,” he recounts, “so we built a fake Marshall decoy cabinet and hid the beers inside of it—the producer never got wind of it.”

Chaos Ensues

The chaos culminated when Schütz visited the studio. As he opened the front door, approximately 300 beer cans came crashing down at his feet. He later reflected in the 2005 documentary Lords of Depravity: “If I remember correctly, once leaving the guesthouse, the guys had to relieve themselves and pissed on one of the neighbors’ doors. And I knew right away there would be trouble.”

The Birth of “Obsessed by Cruelty”

Despite the antics, the album Obsessed by Cruelty (1986) marked a significant advancement for Sodom, aided by the introduction of their new guitarist, Destructor. Tom noted, “He was a bit more intricate on the guitar and recorded our first real album, which ended up doing very well.” Reflecting on his own playing, he admitted, “Back then, I didn’t even think to tune my bass… Whether the guitars were in tune or not didn’t matter at all. And that has its charm.”

Critical Reception

The album received mixed reviews, with publications like Rock Power acknowledging a “tremendous leap forward,” and Rock Hard’s editor noting “a slight improvement.” Notably, Obsessed by Cruelty reached the fifth position in Metal Hammer’s sales charts in July 1986, showcasing a growing audience for extreme music.

A Surprising Collaboration

Interestingly, Sodom had a second guitarist during this period—Uwe “Assator” Christoffers from Darkness. He contributed the track “After the Deluge,” meant as a bonus track. Tom explained, “We had him there as a backup guitarist,” due to uncertainty about Wulf’s commitment. However, the dual-guitar situation created tension within the band.

Destructor’s Departure

Destructor left the band shortly after the recording sessions, opting to join Kreator. Tom expressed regret, stating, “I would have liked to try and continue working with him.” Unfortunately, Destructor’s career was cut short when he tragically died in a motorcycle accident in 1993.

Legacy of “Obsessed by Cruelty”

Despite the challenges, the album remains a significant part of Sodom’s legacy. Critics such as Götz Kühnemund from Rock Hard awarded it 7.5 out of 10, noting improvements in the guitar and drum work compared to their earlier releases. The album has continued to resonate with fans and critics alike.

Reflecting on the Past

Many years later, Tom remains proud of their early work: “I still stand completely behind the album.” He recalled how the band revisited the songs for their 40th-anniversary project. “It wasn’t easy, but it was interesting.”

Memorable Moments

Angelripper’s military service ended just as Sodom was gaining traction. A humorous anecdote involves him showing up at a party with a giant blue number sign reading ‘0’—a comical reminder of his final day of service. It was a fittingly chaotic conclusion to a chaotic chapter in his life.

Conclusion

Sodom’s journey to creating Obsessed by Cruelty is a testament to the band’s rebellious spirit and commitment to authenticity. Through their trials and tribulations, they crafted an album that would become a defining moment in the history of heavy metal, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

FAQs

What was the main reason for the initial recordings being scrapped?

The record label deemed the sound of the initial recordings as “abysmal,” prompting the need for re-recording.

Who was Destructor, and what was his contribution to Sodom?

Destructor was Sodom’s guitarist who brought more intricacy to the guitar work on Obsessed by Cruelty. He left the band shortly after recording.

How did the local scene react to Sodom’s rise in popularity?

The local metal scene found amusement in Sodom’s antics and growing profile, with humorous anecdotes circulating about their behavior.

Is Obsessed by Cruelty still relevant today?

Yes, the album is considered a classic within the metal community and remains significant in Sodom’s discography.