Destruction Part Ways With Guitarist of 39 Years, Release New Single
Veteran Teutonic thrash outfit Destruction have parted ways with guitarist Mike Sifringer, the band has announced.
That’s a big deal — Sifringer was the only original member of the group left other than bassist/vocalist Schmier. Which means that other than Schmier, the senior-most member of Destruction is now drummer Randy Black (ex-Annihilator, ex-Primal Fear)… and he’s only been in the band since 2018.
Sifringer will be replaced by Martin Furia (Bark), their sound engineer and tour manager who has also recorded and/or produced and/or mixed and/or mastered multiple Nervosa albums and last year’s Destruction live release, Born to Thrash. Furia makes his debut with the band on their new single, “State of Apathy.”
Although the press release announcing Sifringer’s departure alludes to “personal and musical differences,” neither the guitarist nor Schmier address those differences head on in their corresponding statements.
Schmier:
“The last two years have been testing times for all of us. We are all sad to announce that Mike has left Destruction. It all was a shock and hit us hard but nevertheless there was never any doubt that we will continue as a band. We are a strong unit and are proud to welcome our new guitarist, Martin Furia, to the band! Our chemistry is great since Martin has been a part of the Destruction family for many years now. He is the perfect new man on the axe – the first shows have been a fucking blast!
“‘State Of Apathy’ shows the direction Destruction will go with the new record: more ‘back-to-the-roots’, more guitars, more in your face! This band is my life and we will always give 100% to keep the spirit alive. I hope you love the new single as much as we do – thanks for all the support! We are wishing Mike the best for his future, for us there is only one way to go THRASH TILL DEATH!”
Sifringer:
“It’s hard to leave a band after 39 years. Destruction is my life and something like my baby. But sometimes you have to take decisions that hurt. I’m very sad at the moment, but if something doesn’t feel right anymore, better stop doing it. Thanx to all former bandmates. I’m very proud about the music we have created together. Cheers to all thrashers out there. Without your support and your passion, Destruction would not exist. Peace.”
So it’s not really clear what happened here other than that forty years is a long time and scheiße happens.
Says Furia of joining Destruction’s ranks:
“The news is finally out and I have mixed emotions. I’m extremely proud to be part of this legendary band since 2016 as sound technician and tour manager, I’ve been all over the world with the Destruction family and they have always treated me like another member of the band.
“I’m sad to see Mike go because I love him and respect him as a person and guitarist, but when I was asked if I would like to be the new guitarist of Destruction I didn’t hesitate for a second. I feel ready to honor Mike’s legacy, to add my own touch and I will give my best to keep the flame of Destruction burning strong forever, with deep respect and devotion for the past and with full energy and commitment for the future. THRASH TILL DEATH!”
You can check out “State of Apathy” below. A 12″ vinyl single is available for purchase from Napalm Records here.
