Destruction

Destruction is a German thrash metal band founded in 1982 in Lörrach (southern Germany). It is one of the four big names of Teutonic thrash (along with Kreator, Tankard and Sodom). It is generally considered the first German thrash band and it had a great influence on thrash. The band was originally called Knight of Demon. But they changed their name after a few weeks. Originally they played in a style close to Iron Maiden, but within the space of a few weeks they evolved toward an aesthetic more broadly influenced by Venom. Destruction recorded a demo in 1984 titled Bestial Invasion of Hell. In 1990, Schmier was fired and they asked Flemming Rönsdorf (Artillery) to join Destruction as the new singer. In 1999, the band reformed with the return of Schmier.