The frontman of Sodom declares that “real metal bands come from the 80s” and criticizes the modern scene.
A critical look at contemporary metal
Sodom vocalist and bassist Tom Angelripper recently shared his strong opinions on the current state of the metal scene, saying that “real metal bands come from the 80s”. In an interview with Jorge Botas, the frontman expressed his confusion and skepticism about the direction the genre is taking today. “I don’t know what it is. Is it metal? Or pop?” he questioned.
Angelripper, who founded Sodom in 1981, is recognized for his role in influencing extreme subgenres of metal, such as Black Metal and Death Metal. Despite this evolution, what he hears today does not seem, for him, to correspond to the essence of metal.
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80s nostalgia and the interest of young fans
During the interview, Angelripper recalled an encounter with a young fan, 13 or 14 years old, wearing a jacket adorned with patches from bands such as Sodom, Venom, Hellhammer, and Tank. Curious, he asked the young man why he didn’t listen to modern bands. “I want to listen to real heavy metal bands from the 80s,” the young man replied, adding that he was not interested in Metalcore or new styles of metal.
For Angelripper, this loyalty of the younger generations towards the groups of the 80s is revealing. “People are realizing that real heavy metal bands come from the 80s, and seeing these bands still active today is impressive to many.”
A “chaotic” modern scene
Angelripper admits that he has tried to keep up with the current metal scene, but finds the amount of new bands and subgenres confusing. He receives magazines like Rock Hard et Metal Hammerfilled with new releases every month. “There are so many bands coming out every month. I don’t know if it’s metal or pop anymore, it’s more and more confused.”
For him, metal must preserve the legacy of the bands of the 80s, even if tastes are of course subjective. Angelripper concludes by admitting that he no longer takes the time to listen to new bands, believing that the scene has become too prolific and difficult to follow. “It’s unmanageable,” he said, summarizing his feelings about an industry in perpetual change.
