Destruction in Yokohama
25% pure German thrash metal: Destruction returned to Japan after eight years with a splendid international version of the band.
Destruction at ReNY Beta, Yokohama, Japan on 30th January 2026
A lot has happened since Destruction was founded in Germany in 1982. In recent years, the classic thrash metal band has evolved from a German trio to an international quartet. The band’s founder Schmier, on bass and lead vocals, is now the only German in the band. The rest of the line-up consists of Canadian drummer Randy Black (Primal Fear, Annihilator, W.A.S.P.), Swiss guitarist Damir Eskic (Gomorra) and Argentinian guitarist Martin Furia (Bark, Furia). It is a terrific version of the band that delivers as expected by the band’s fans.
The Yokohama gig kicked off the band’s Asian tour covering Japan, Thailand and China. Having expanded the band from a power trio to a quartet with two guitarists has not only produced a fuller sound. It also meant we got some terrific coordinated Status Quo-like stage moves during the show.
From the latest album, 2025’s great “Birth of Malice”, we got four songs – “A.N.G.S.T.”, “Destruction”, “No Kings – No Masters” and “Scumbag Human Race”. The band’s classic 1985 debut album, “Infernal Overkill”, was represented in the setlist by “Antichrist”, “Bestial Invasion” and “Death Trap”. The band also played other favourites such as “Mad Butcher”, “Curse the Gods”, “The Butcher Strikes Back” and “Thrash ‘til Death”. The highlight for me was without doubt “Nailed to the Cross” from 2001. The band was on form and eager to entertain. It turned into a fast-paced and sweaty thrash metal performance.
Destruction put on a great show in Yokohama, both musically and visually. They may now be only 25% German thrash. But they are 100% excellent thrash metal. Let’s hope it won’t take them eight years to come back.
