In a recent interview with La Heavy magazine, Marcel “Schmier” Schirmer, the bassist and vocalist of the renowned German thrash metal band Destruction, voiced his apprehensions regarding the evolving landscape of heavy metal. He specifically addressed the influence of pop bands that label themselves as heavy metal and the potential impact on younger audiences.
Schmier emphasized Destruction’s commitment to authentic thrash metal, stating, “We are Destruction, and this is how we sound; it’s who we are, and we defend our style and music to the death.” He expressed concern about emerging bands that incorporate pop elements and rely heavily on pre-recorded tracks during live performances. Schmier questioned the future of metal enthusiasts who grow up listening to such bands, remarking, “I don’t know what to expect from the new generation of ‘metalheads’ if they grow up listening to these pop bands calling themselves ‘heavy metal’… when, to me, they are not at all.”
This discussion coincides with the release of Destruction’s latest album, Birth of Malice, which debuted on March 7, 2025. The album underscores the band’s dedication to delivering pure and honest thrash metal, reinforcing their legacy in the genre.
The full interview with Schmier is featured in issue number 469 of La Heavy, available through their online store.
