Destruction stands as one of the leading forces in German thrash metal, firmly established alongside Kreator, Tankard, and Sodom as part of "The Big Teutonic 4." Formed in 1982, the original lineup featured Schmier on vocals and bass, Tommy Sandmann on drums, and Mike Sifringer on guitar. In 1989, during the recording of their fourth studio album, Cracked Brai, Schmier was dismissed and replaced by Poltergeist frontman André Grieder. Following this release, Mike Sifringer continued under the "Neo-Destruction" name until 1998—these releases are now officially considered outside the Destruction canon. The real Destruction returned in 1999 when Schmier rejoined the band, alongside new drummer Sven Vormann, reinstating the band as a trio.
