The band was formed by Tom Angelripper and Aggressor in 1981 in the Western German industrial town of Gelsenkirchen. Initially, they were mostly influenced by bands like Motörhead, Tank, Raven, and Venom. Sodom's own music style would greatly influence many late-1980s and early-1990s thrash and black metal bands, among others.
They soon found a drummer called Bloody Monster who was, however, quickly replaced by Chris Witchhunter, with whom they released two demos, "Witching Metal" and "Victims of Death" in 1982 and 1984, before signing a deal with SPV GmbH. After a gig in Frankfurt in 1984 (with Destruction and Tankard) Manfred Schütz of SPV GmbH came to the band and spoke the legendary sentence "You guys are so bad, you will sell a lot of records!". This led to the recording of their debut EP "In the Sign of Evil". Missing was Aggressor, who had meanwhile left the band. He was replaced by Grave Violator (recommended to the band by Kreator's Mille Petrozza), who also wouldn't stay very long. In his place, Michael Wulf joined, just to leave the band shortly after the recordings of their first full-length album "Obsessed by Cruelty" in 1986 to join Kreator (where he would last only one show). Michael Wulf died in a motorcycle accident in 1993.
After "Obsessed by Cruelty" was released, the band abolished their satanic image and replaced it with the (pacifistic motivated) war theme that can be found on most of Sodom's records. With their new guitarist Frank Blackfire, the most legendary Sodom line-up recorded two albums (plus a live album, "Mortal Way of Live", the first of various Sodom releases which had a censored cover in Germany): "Persecution Mania" (wich was the first Sodom album produced by the band's long-time producer Harris Johns, and also had the first cover that featured the band's mascot "Knarrenheinz") and "Agent Orange" (including the single "Ausgebombt"). This album made Sodom the first German Thrash band to ever enter the charts (it reached number 36 on the German Media Control charts).
Blackfire left in 1989 (like Destructor before he joined Kreator) and was replaced by ex-Assassin guitarist Michael "Micha" Hoffmann.
In 1992 Tom fired Chris Witchhunter, who had alcohol problems. Atomic Steif, who would stay in the band until 1996 (and is, like many former Sodom members, still embittered that Tom fired him) became the new drummer.
From 1997 to 2010, Sodom had a consistent lineup consisting of Tom Angelripper, Konrad "Bobby" Schottkowski (Crows) and Bernemann. In 2001 Tom, who meanwhile also released various solo albums as Onkel Tom Angelripper, has been awarded double platinum for more than 1.000.000 sold Sodom albums.
Sodom collaborated with famous German schlager singer/actor Roberto Blanco in 2011, making a commercial intended to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease. He also joined them on stage at various gigs (including Wacken 2011) for a metal rendition of his song 'Ein bisschen Spaß muss sein'.
Current members:
* Tom Angelripper (Thomas Such, Onkel Tom) - Vocals/Bass (Desperados)
* Frank Blackfire (Frank Gosdzik) - Guitars (later Mystic) and Kreator) (1987-1989, special appearance in the December 28, 2006 concert in Bochum, 2018–present)
* Yorck Segatz – guitars (2018–present)
* Toni Merkel – drums (2020–present)
Former members:
* Aggressor (Frank Testegen) - Guitars (1983-1984)
* Grave Violator (Pepi Dominic) - Guitars (1984-1985)
* Destructor (Michael Wulf) - Guitars (later Kreator) (1985-1986) R.I.P. in 1993.
* Assator (Uwe Christophers) - Guitars (ex-Darkness) (on tour in 1986)
* Uwe Baltrusch - Guitars (on tour in 1989/1990) (also in Mekong Delta, later House of Spirits)
* Michael Hoffman - Guitars (ex-Assassin) (1990)
* Andy Brings - Guitars (later Powergod) (1991-1995)
* Strahli (Dirk Strahlimeier) - Guitars (1995-1996)
* Chris Witchhunter (Christian Dudek) - Drums (1983-1992) (see also Destruction and Bathory)
* Atomic Steif (Guido Richter) - Drums (later Stahlträger and Assassin), ex-Sacred Chao, ex-Holy Moses, ex-Living Death, ex-Brotós) (1992-1996)
* Bobby Schottkowski - Drums (ex-Crows, ex-Onkel Tom Angelripper) (1997-2010)
* Bernemann (Bernd Kost) - Guitars (ex-Crows) (1996–2018)
* Markus "Makka" Freiwald – drums (2010–2018)
* Stefan "Husky" Hüskens – drums (2018–2020)
Official website:
www.sodomized.info
2) ＳＯＤＯＭ were an early-mid 80's Japanese punk group, who played mid-speed hardcore punk. Their style takes cues from The SS, Discharge, Typhus, as well as American hardcore. They have one tape (Sodom & Requiem) and were featured with 7 songs on the ADK Omnibus Vol.1 compilation.
Fansite:
www.sodom.hu
Friendly Fire
Sodom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spitting from the left
How long I'll stay alive
When blood flows down my back
Fratricidal slaughter
No enemy to observe
Premeditated murder
To await the final shot
We were on the same side
Don't know when I close my eyes
Suicidal duteousness
Homicidal helplessness
Hostile fire all I see
Terminal supremacy
Death could be the only way
To get out of this place
Friendly fire
Compassion is lost
Friendly fire
Friendly fire blast
Napalm hell surrounded me
Screeching gatling guns
Hissing fifty BMGs
Among the eagles and the stars
I would trade my finest gold
To shoot that fellows down
Within the peaceful skies above
And leave that firestorm
We were on the same side
Don't know when I close my eyes
Suicidal duteousness
Homicidal helplessness
Hostile fire all I see
Terminal supremacy
Death could be the only way
To get out of this place
Friendly fire
Compassion is lost
Friendly fire
Friendly fire blast
My comrade is lying next to mine
He stopped the bullet destined for me
Spreading guts that burned my eyes
No more control in that crimson tide
The friendly terror's final end
My comrade's blood, mixed with mine
Calling out from depth of souls
The warm red blood that turns to slime
Friendly fire
Compassion is lost
Friendly fire
Friendly fire blast
The lyrics of Sodom's song "Friendly Fire" depict the horrors of warfare and the tragic consequences of "friendly fire," which refers to the accidental firing on one's own forces during combat. The song illustrates the senselessness and brutality of war, where soldiers become victims of their own comrades, leading to death and destruction.
The first verse describes the confusion and chaos of the battlefield, where soldiers shoot and spit at each other from behind and the left. The singer wonders how long he can survive as blood flows down his back. The lyrics suggest a fratricidal slaughter, with no clear enemy to observe. It portrays the experience of premeditated murder and the anticipation of a final fatal shot.
The second verse reflects the disillusionment of the singer, as he realizes that he and his fallen comrade were once on the same side, but have become victims of the war. He contemplates the possibility of suicide or being stuck in a state of helplessness and duty, where death seems like the only escape from the horrors surrounding him.
The chorus emphasizes the loss of compassion in the midst of war, where "friendly fire" becomes a blast that causes further destruction. The lyrics describe the anguish and despair of being surrounded by napalm, gatling guns, and other deadly weapons. The singer expresses a desire to retaliate against the enemy and escape the firestorm above, even if it means trading his finest possessions.
The final verse recounts a defining moment where the singer's comrade sacrifices himself by taking a bullet intended for him. The scene is depicted as a bloody and gruesome spectacle, with spreading guts burning the singer's eyes. The loss of control and the mixing of their blood symbolize the tragic end caused by "friendly fire," as the souls of both soldiers cry out from the depths.
Overall, Sodom's "Friendly Fire" sheds light on the horrors and senselessness of war, portraying the emotional and physical toll it takes on soldiers and the devastating consequences of an errant bullet fired by one's own side.
Line by Line Meaning
Shooting from behind
Being attacked unexpectedly or betrayed by someone close
Spitting from the left
Being attacked from a different direction or by someone unexpected
How long I'll stay alive
Uncertainty about survival in a dangerous situation
When blood flows down my back
Experiencing physical harm and injury
Fratricidal slaughter
Killing one's own comrades
No enemy to observe
Not being able to identify the true threat or source of harm
Premeditated murder
Planning and intentionally causing death
To await the final shot
Being in a state of anticipation for the fatal blow
We were on the same side
Belonging to the same group or organization
Don't know when I close my eyes
Uncertainty about one's own mortality
Suicidal duteousness
Fulfilling duty or orders even if it leads to personal harm or death
Homicidal helplessness
Feeling powerless and trapped in a situation where killing becomes the only option
Hostile fire all I see
Being surrounded by continuous attacks and aggression
Terminal supremacy
The belief that death is the only way to escape the current situation
Death could be the only way
Considering death as a potential release from the suffering and violence
To get out of this place
Finding a means to escape the current environment or circumstances
Friendly fire
Accidental harm or death caused by one's own side or allies
Compassion is lost
The absence of empathy or care in the midst of chaos and violence
Friendly fire blast
The devastating impact of unintentional attacks from friends or allies
Napalm hell surrounded me
Being engulfed in a nightmarish and destructive situation caused by napalm bombings
Screeching gatling guns
The loud and terrifying sound of rapid-firing weapons
Hissing fifty BMGs
The sound of bullets from powerful .50 caliber Browning machine guns
Among the eagles and the stars
Amidst the symbols of power and superiority, but also chaos and destruction
I would trade my finest gold
Being willing to sacrifice valuable possessions or wealth for revenge or justice
To shoot that fellows down
Desiring to bring down the enemy responsible for the chaos and harm
Within the peaceful skies above
In the midst of a seemingly calm and tranquil atmosphere
And leave that firestorm
Escaping or putting an end to the intense and destructive situation
My comrade is lying next to mine
A fellow soldier or ally is lying beside me
He stopped the bullet destined for me
Sacrificing themselves to save the artist's life
Spreading guts that burned my eyes
Witnessing the gruesome aftermath of their comrade's injuries
No more control in that crimson tide
Losing control and feeling overwhelmed by the bloodshed and violence
The friendly terror's final end
The tragic conclusion of the violence caused by friendly fire
My comrade's blood, mixed with mine
The emotional and physical connection formed through shared experiences and bloodshed
Calling out from depth of souls
The desperate cries or pleas for help coming from the depths of their beings
The warm red blood that turns to slime
The transformation of life and vitality into a cold and lifeless state
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Thomas Such, Toni Merkel, Yorck Segatz
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@muhammadhafizi3548
Shooting from behind
Spitting from the left
How long I'll stay alive
When blood flows down my back
Fratricidal slaughter
No enemy to observe
Premeditated murder
To await the final shot
[Pre-Chorus]
We were on the same side
Don't know when I close my eyes
Suicidal duteousness
Homicidal helplessness
Hostile fire all I see
Terminal supremacy
Death could be the only way
To get out of this place
[Chorus]
Friendly fire
Compassion is lost
Friendly fire
Friendly fire blast
[Verse 2]
Napalm hell surrounded me
Screeching gatling guns
Hissing fifty BMGs
Among the eagles and the stars
I would trade my finest gold
To shoot that fellows down
Within the peaceful skies above
And leave that firestorm
[Pre-Chorus]
We were on the same side
Don't know when I close my eyes
Suicidal duteousness
Homicidal helplessness
Hostile fire all I see
Terminal supremacy
Death could be the only way
To get out of this place
[Chorus]
Friendly fire
Compassion is lost
Friendly fire
Friendly fire blast
[Verse 3]
My comrade is lying next to mine
He stopped the bullet destined for me
Spreading guts that burned my eyes
No more control in that crimson tide
The friendly terror's final end
My comrade's blood, mixed with mine
Calling out from depth of souls
The warm red blood that turns to slime
[Chorus]
Friendly fire
Compassion is lost
Friendly fire
Friendly fire blast
@caiserciezclown8691
Shooting from behind
Spitting from the left
How long I'll stay alive
When blood flows down my back
Fratricidal slaughter
No enemy to observe
Premeditated murder
To await the final shot
[Pre-Chorus]
We were on the same side
Don't know when I close my eyes
Suicidal duteousness
Homicidal helplessness
Hostile fire all I see
Terminal supremacy
Death could be the only way
To get out of this place
[Chorus]
Friendly fire
Compassion is lost
Friendly firе
Friendly fire blast
@Novembrine616
That blastbeats give that "black/thrash" sound of Sodom's early works.
I love it
@brandonhofmann5479
sound heavy asf i fuck with that
@laxmi1406
Si tienes razon
@FrostBite3232
The cigarettes and beer bottles flying off the table was rock'n
@loki200
I think it was by accident, just a normal rehersal :D
@bavariankingdom4081
Tom Angelripper never gets old 🤘
@inimicus696
@JPS JPS They can never make again an album like Persecution Mania or Agent Orange.
@bavariankingdom4081
Who knows, maybe there will be albums like they used to be, my favorite is Code Red.
@Koraxus
@@inimicus696 Dunno, this sounds a lot like Code Red despite it's 20 years old.
@amirulwitchunter6059
@Erich Wagner haha, yes tom alcoholic.