German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION will release their new album, "Under Attack", on May 13 via Nuclear Blast. The band started the recording sessions after the summer festivals last year and has been recording segments in various studios between September 2015 and January 2016. So far they have finished the drum recordings with Martin Buchwalter at Gernhart Studios in Germany, as well as completing some basic recordings, mixing and mastering with VO Pulver at Little Greek Studios in Switzerland.

Comments DESTRUCTION bassist/vocalist Schmier: "We really took our time for this album. After the summer festivals, we went into the studio every couple of weeks to record brand new songs and ideas in between all the touring activities. We took several studio sessions instead of one long one, to keep the ideas fresh and have time later before the mix to change bits and pieces that we did not like. Maybe this was the most effective writing we did in the last years! Due the fact we had more time in between the albums, there was a lot of musical output and creativity, but also less pressure. From my point of view, you can definitely hear the crispiness in the songwriting and the kick-ass attitude we brought from the shows into the studio. The 'on tour into the studio on tour mode' was so effective that I wanna keep this method for the future!"

He adds: "How does the new record sound? For sure not like a band that is in its 33 years of existence: Efficient aggression: FAST — CATCHY — ORIGINAL!"

German thrashers DESTRUCTION have parted ways with their longtime drummer Wawrzyniec "Vaaver" Dramowicz. According to frontman Schmier, Vaaver has decided to leave the group "for family reasons." But while Schmier calls the split with Dramowicz "very sad," the bassist/vocalist is quick to add: "We won't split up and we won't do a farewell tour."

Vaaver, who joined DESTRUCTION in 2010, took some time off from the road in 2015 to be with his family following the birth of his second child. He was temporarily replaced by former PRIMAL FEAR and ANNIHILATOR drummer Randy Black.

Vaaver will continue playing with DESTRUCTION through this March. Black will then once again sit behind the kit for the group until DESTRUCTION decides on a "worthy successor" to Vaaver.