Sodom’s Tom Angelripper reveals all about upcoming album “The Arsonist”: “I wanna record everything by hand, as natural and organic as possible”

German thrash metal band Sodom have long ago earned their place among the giants of teutonic heavy metal, and this year they are back with their latest album “The Arsonist”, out on June 27th worldwide through SPV/Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP version, download and stream (available here). The album has a very organic sound, featuring the most natural production possible, with the drum parts recorded using a 24-track analogue tape machine. No studio tricks, no digital overdubs, or, to quote frontman Tom Angelripper: “No plastic!”

However, it’s not only the complex production process that testifies to the band’s exceptional creative spirit, but also their diverse songwriting, which saw all four Sodom musicians – Tom Angelripper (vocals, bass), Frank Blackfire (guitar), York Segatz (guitar) and Toni Merkel (drums) – involved in the development of the material on “The Arsonist”. 

Chaoszine had the opportunity to talk to Tom Angelripper about Sodom‘s latest album. In conversation, he revealed details about the album’s sound, production, and cover artwork, for which the band worked closely with Polish artist Zbigniew M. Bielak (Ghost, Mayhem, among others). The frontman also spoke of the new state of things, including AI and overdigital “plastic sounding” drums on heavy metal records. Tom’s opinion on contemporary black metal was also addressed (he likes the old school bands, like Venom, Bathory and Celtic Frost).

Sodom‘s latest single release, “Witchhunter,” an homage to late drummer Chris “Witchhunter” Dudek was another subject covered in this interview, and Angelripper spoke of his importance, an ever-present influence for the band.

Angelripper also discussed the time off the band is about to take – he needs a pause to basically enjoy family, friends and life in general – and the Sodom biography that is about to be released.

You can check out the full interview below:

You can also check out the singles from “The Arsonist”: