Sodom/Whiplash/Hirax/Stress Angel @ Brooklyn Monarch 10/9/24

Following their Maryland Deathfest appearance, Sodom made their first NYC appearance since 2006 when they played BB King's. I didn't get to see that show, so of the "Teutonic 4" this checked off one I hadn't seen before (Kreator I saw back in their 80's prime, Destruction I saw in the late '90's at L'Amours in Bay Ridge with Kreator as well, Tankard I have yet to see).

Tom Angelripper, the leader and lone original member is on bass and vocals. Sodom is held in high regard for good reason. They deliver a relentless thrash assault delivering material like "Sodomy and Lust" and "Obsessed By Cruelty" without any sort of ironic smirk.

Whiplash and Hirax were also legacy 80's thrash bands that delivered very different thrash styles. Whiplash being from Passaic, NJ seemed a little laid back in between Sodom's relentlessness and a near hardcore approach from Los Angeles band Hirax, who killed it. Both Whiplash and Hirax have that long history. Whiplash were on Roadrunner most of the 80's, then released a few albums in the second half of the 90's and another in 2009. They seem to have tailed off a little bit in terms of activity save for a split release in 2016 but they are doing about 20-30 dates a year in this decade, mostly in Europe metal festivals.

Hirax were on Restless/Metal Blade a the start of their career in the mid 80's and have kept it going as well. Hirax doesn't seem to be hitting the road that hard of late either, but they also are getting worldwide festival dates and staying in the mix. It's interesting how some bands can go on forever and ever and there will always be an audience for them in this genre.

The new band of the night, Stress Angel also played a few days ago with Sabbat so this was my second time seeing them this week and in life to date. They kicked the show of 6:30 sharp with the same solid thrash that I liked three days before.

For Further Review:

Stress Angel @ TV Eye 10/6/24