October, 1990. Sodom were back with another dose of German thrash metal and “Better Off Dead” wasted no time reminding everyone what they were about.
Released on October 1st, 1990 through Steamhammer/SPV, the album was Sodom fourth studio release and delivered plenty of speed, aggression and dirty, heavy guitar crunch.
But which track stands above the rest?
The Saw Is the Law
If there’s one song that immediately jumps out, it’s “The Saw Is the Law”.
Heavy, driving and packed with that unmistakable Sodom crunch, it became the definitive standout from “Better Off Dead”. The song was also released in an altered version on the The Saw Is the Law EP.
It’s the track that feels almost impossible to leave out of a Sodom playlist.
An Eye for an Eye
The album opens at full speed.
“An Eye for an Eye” is a fast and aggressive thrash attack that sets the tone immediately. Classic Sodom fans have long regarded it as one of the album essential tracks.
No slow introduction. Just hit play and go.
Shellfire Defense
If you miss the aggressive energy of the “Agent Orange” era, “Shellfire Defense” should scratch that itch.
Fast, angry and relentless, it carries the kind of speed and aggression that made Sodom earlier material so memorable.
Capture the Flag
At more than six minutes, “Capture the Flag” gives the album a different kind of punch.
It’s longer, more dynamic and packed with more complex riffing, showing that “Better Off Dead” wasn’t simply about racing from one thrash riff to the next.
More Reasons to Crank It Up
The album features 12 tracks, including two covers: Tank’s “Turn Your Head Around” and Thin Lizzy’s “Cold Sweat”.
And then there’s the title track itself “Better Off Dead”, alongside songs such as “Bloodtrails”, “Never Healing Wound”, “Resurrection”, “Tarred and Feathered” and “Stalinorgel”.
The lineup was:
Tom Angelripper – Vocals, bass
Michael Hoffmann – Guitars
Chris Witchhunter – Drums
So now it’s time for the real question.
Which track from “Better Off Dead” deserves your vote?
Or is there another Sodom killer hiding in the tracklist?
🤘 Vote for your favorite!
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