Assassin (band)
Assassin is a German thrash metal band formed in 1983 in Düsseldorf. The band is known for their aggressive and technical style of thrash metal, often compared to bands like Kreator and Destruction.
History:
Assassin was founded by guitarist Jürgen Scholz and vocalist Robert Gonnella. The band went through several lineup changes in its early years before solidifying a lineup that included Michael Hoffman on guitar, Markus Ludwig on bass, and Atomic Steif on drums. This lineup recorded their debut album, The Upcoming Terror, in 1986, which gained them a cult following in the thrash metal scene.
Their second album, Interstellar Experience, was released in 1988 and further solidified their reputation for technical and brutal thrash. Following Interstellar Experience, the band dissolved in 1989.
Assassin reformed in 2002 with a largely new lineup, featuring only Jürgen Scholz from the original incarnation. They released The Club that same year.
The band has remained active since, releasing several more albums, including Breaking the Silence (2011), Combat Cathedral (2016), and Best of Trash – Live (2020). Throughout the years, the lineup has continued to evolve around founding member Jürgen Scholz.
Musical Style and Influences:
Assassin's music is characterized by its fast tempos, aggressive riffs, complex song structures, and guttural vocals. Their sound is firmly rooted in the German thrash metal scene, drawing inspiration from bands such as Kreator, Destruction, and Sodom. They are known for incorporating elements of technicality and experimentation into their sound, setting them apart from some of their contemporaries.
Discography:
- The Upcoming Terror (1986)
- Interstellar Experience (1988)
- The Club (2002)
- Assassin Live in Sodom (2005)
- Breaking the Silence (2011)
- Combat Cathedral (2016)
- Best of Trash – Live (2020)