SODOM: 'Epitome Of Torture' First-Week Sales Revealed

"Epitome Of Torture", the new album from German thrash metal veterans SODOM, sold around 800 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 25 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Other "Epitome Of Torture" first-week chart positions:

Germany: #32 (highest chart entry in the band's career)
Finland: #86
Switzerland: #87

"Epitome Of Torture" was made available on April 29 in Europe and May 7 in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. Bassist/vocalist Thomas "Angelripper" Such, guitarist Bernd "Bernemann" Kost and new drummer Markus "Makka" Freiwald recorded a total of twelve new tracks (plus a MOTÖRHEAD cover) which "present SODOM as more diverse and multi-faceted than ever," according to a press release.

"'Epitome Of Torture' features not only your typical SODOM fare, but also two or three numbers which are slightly more moderate and melodic than what people have come to expect from us," says Angelripper, "so wait and see!"

It's obvious that SODOM hasn't changed its scornful view of the world, presenting an album in "Epitome Of Torture" that is as uncompromising as ever in musical as well as lyrical terms.

"Unfortunately, there's still plenty of inspiration for angry lyrics around," says Angelripper. The bitter thrash metal attack "Waterboarding", which deals with torture methods, fits perfectly into this context.

"It always surprises me how inventive — in the most negative sense of the word — people can be when it comes to torturing others," states the vocalist. "At the same time, 'Epitome Of Torture' features not only typical SODOM numbers, like the title track, our new hit 'S.O.D.O.M.' and 'Stigmatized', the toughest SODOM number in ages, but also two or three recordings which are slightly more moderate and melodic than what people have come to expect from us." Angelripper is referring to songs such as "Cannibal" and "Tracing The Victim", which allow Bernemann to present his impressive musical skills, as well as "Into The Skies Of War", on which Angelripper allowed himself to be inspired by icons such as MOTÖRHEAD and TANK. "Luckily, it's impossible to hide my influences," he says.

"Epitome Of Torture" was produced by Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., ENEMY OF THE SUN),whose expertise as a sound engineer and audio magician thoroughly enhanced SODOM's previous CD, 2010's "In War And Pieces". Angelripper says: "Waldemar is a true authority. He doesn't let you get away with anything, he knows all our weak spots. Which occasionally makes working at the studio a little demanding, but at the end of the day, it's all worthwhile, as the result shows." The SODOM frontman describes the sound on "Epitome Of Torture" as "hard as nails and contemporary, without ignoring our tried-and-tested old-school attitude."

"Epitome Of Torture" was made available in four different formats: a limited-edition digipak, including two bonus tracks and a poster; regular jewel case; as a double gatefold vinyl, including three bonus tracks; and as a digital download. The cover artwork featuring SODOM's popular "Knarrenheinz" logo was developed by graphic designer Meran Karanitant, who has previously worked with SIX FEET UNDER, HATEBREED and DIMMU BORGIR, among others.

"S.O.D.O.M." audio stream: