On the surface, another "Best Of" from the long-running German thrash legends appears pointless, but there are some intriguing nuances to this outing. First, it's not simply a retro cash grab by an old label, meaning Schmier (bass/vocals) and Mike (guitar) will see some money from it. Lord knows they deserve it, given the pioneering sound they helped co-found with contemporary countrymen Kreator and Sodom (both of whom also have been underpaid, in gratitude as well as royalties). While kvlt purists will bitch about the updated sound (everything was re-recorded, not simply remastered), there's no denying Marc Reign's drumming and the mainman's punishing bass benefit from a crisper production. I don't think anyone can complain about the rejuvenated Release From Agony material ('Sign Of Fear', 'Unconscious Ruins' and 'Release From Agony'), as the original production was abysmal Although 'Profanity' and 'Deposition (Your Heads Will Roll)' are the only truly new tunes, the fact Schmier sings the title track from Cracked Brain, an album originally released in 1990, a year after he left the band, counts as a newbie, in my book. Of the new material, the latter is most surprisingly. It begins with jazzy interlude and a sinister voiceover giving way to piston-pumping precision, yet come the chorus, there's a second (female?) backing vocalist and the track ends much as it began, as an acoustic instrumental. Tasteful flamenco flourishes within 'Sign Of Fear' can now be heard showcasing Mike Sifringer's ability (similar to the horizon-broadening scope of 'The Defiance Will Remain', off Inventor Of Evil). It's also no longer the mundane drag of the original. There's even a guest appearance by guitarist (from Mad Butcher EP to Cracked Brain), Harry Wilkens. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the timing of this release allows Destruction to visit these shores once again! In that respect this cross-section provides fans with a nice concert warm-up mix. Enjoy and more importantly, get down to the venues and support live music!