The legendary bassist and vocalist Schmier of the thrash metal band DESTRUCTION has made it clear that he intends to continue making music until his last breath. In a recent conversation with Stefan Nilsson from Roppongi Rocks, Schmier shared insights into what fuels his passion for music, even after nearly 45 years since the band's formation. He stated, "Music transcends being just sound; it embodies a way of life. It's an emotion that brings joy not only to me but to countless others as well."
Throughout his career, Schmier has explored different avenues beyond music, including running a restaurant. However, he always finds himself drawn back to his true calling as a musician. He emphasized, "What truly fulfills me is the chance to travel, engage with our fans, perform live, and create new songs." For two decades, fans have been curious about his plans for life after music, to which he humorously responded, "I believe I will simply drop dead when my time comes because music is a lifelong commitment. It’s more than mere employment; it's a passion that keeps my spirit alive. I’m grateful that I can continue this journey for as long as there are fans who want to see us play. Sure, we’ll keep rocking as long as our bodies hold up — until our backs and necks start to give out — but for now, we're in great shape, and I hope for many more productive years ahead."
In the same interview, Schmier discussed the recent changes in the band lineup, specifically mentioning the addition of guitarist Damir Eskić in 2019 and Martin Furia in 2021. Damir, a talented Swiss guitarist of Bosnian descent, not only teaches guitar but has also played in the heavy metal band GOMORRA. Martin Furia, originally from Argentina but now based in Belgium, is renowned for his work as a sound engineer and producer with bands like NERVOSA and EVIL INVADERS.
"We’ve been a quartet since 2019, which is quite a significant change," Schmier noted. "It feels like we've embraced this format for seven years already. I loved our trio setup, as I grew up listening to bands like MOTÖRHEAD, RUSH, and VENOM, but having two guitarists opens up so many creative possibilities. The songwriting process becomes richer, and live performances gain more intensity with additional double leads and harmonies."
Schmier passionately stated, "Heavy metal fundamentally thrives on dual guitars! While I hold a special place in my heart for power trios, where each member bears more responsibility, adding a fourth member enhances creativity and overall power in our sound."
Reflecting on Furia's role, Schmier explained how Martin seamlessly transitioned into the position of DESTRUCTION's second guitarist. Initially serving as their tour manager and sound technician, Furia impressed the band during auditions. Schmier recalled, "When we began searching for a guitarist, we sought someone who was not only exceptionally skilled but also a good fit for our band’s dynamics. Martin was the first person we auditioned, and he arrived exceptionally well-prepared. We were pleasantly surprised, and instantly felt a connection with him. Given the technical demands of DESTRUCTION's songs, we knew we needed someone solid, and Martin's background as a producer and songwriter made him an invaluable addition."
Looking ahead, DESTRUCTION is set to join TESTAMENT on the U.S. leg of their 'Thrash Of The Titans' world tour, kicking off in March. This exciting tour will also feature fellow thrash legends OVERKILL.
Their latest album, "Birth Of Malice," hit the shelves in March 2025 under Napalm Records. The current lineup consists of Schmier, along with Furia, Eskić, and drummer Randy Black. This album was crafted at Little Creek Studio in Switzerland by V.O. Pulver, with Furia handling the mixing and mastering at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany.
DESTRUCTION has enjoyed a prolific career, performing at some of the largest music festivals worldwide, including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Graspop Metal Meeting, and México Metal Fest. In August 2021, the band made the significant decision to part ways with founding guitarist Mike Sifringer, subsequently welcoming Furia into the fold.
Now, as DESTRUCTION continues its journey, one must wonder: how long can a band thrive in the ever-evolving music industry? What keeps them motivated to push through challenges? Share your thoughts below!
