SODOM: Revisiting the Fury: Andy Brings on Tapping the Vein

As Tapping the Vein resurfaces in its first-ever reissue, Sodom fans are once again thrust into the primal, unfiltered aggression that defined this pivotal 1992 album. Known for its darker, heavier tone, Tapping the Vein was a bold step for the band, capturing the grit of Germany’s industrial heartland while marking the end of an era with drummer Chris Witchhunter. In this interview, guitarist Andy Brings—who helped shape this brutal record—looks back on those days of rebellious fire and unyielding thrash. From his unusual start in the band to unforgettable tours in Japan, Andy reflects on Sodom’s raw energy, the uncompromising spirit behind Tapping the Vein, and the album’s lasting impact on metal fans across generations.

– Hi, first off, thanks for answering our questions. Even though you joined later, how familiar were you with Sodom’s early days in Gelsenkirchen? How do you think growing up in such an industrial town shaped the band’s music and attitude?

ANDY: I was never a fan of the band. When I got the offer to possibly join SODOM I had to rent some of their older albums in a CD rental store, to prepare for the audition. And yes, your environment shapes you. A lot of brutal Thrash Metal came from our area here.

-When you joined the band, thrash metal was still seen as a form of rebellion. How much of that rebellious spirit did you personally feel when you started playing with Sodom? Do you think it still resonates today in the band’s music?

ANDY: I was always a rebel. In school and later in life. So in that way we were a great match. We were about breaking rules and not being told what to do. I think that’s the true spirit of Rock´n´Roll, and I certainly left my mark on my era of the band.

-Tapping the Vein was the last album with Chris Witchhunter on drums. How was it for you to step into a band that was about to lose such an iconic member? What was the vibe like in the band during this transitional period?

ANDY: You´re wrong. When I came into the band Chris was still there. We recorded TTV together and went on tour together, so the transition happened later. It was a weird time, but changes were inevitable.

– By the time you joined Sodom, metal was splintering into different subgenres. How did you feel about thrash’s place in that shifting landscape? Did you ever feel the pull to experiment with other styles, or were you always committed to Sodom’s aggressive roots?

ANDY: We did not want to experiment, nor did we pay attention to what was going on around us. We knew what SODOM was or should be and all we wanted was to punch in the teeth with our music. So yeah, we were committed to walk on that path.

– Tapping the Vein is often labeled Sodom’s “death metal album,” despite the band not being heavily influenced by death metal at the time. How do you view that label now, and do you think it’s a fair representation of the album’s sound?

ANDY: We have no idea where that came from. Maybe Tom´s vocals in the lower register, but it were certainly not a conscious decision. I don’t think we made a Death Metal album, but then again I wouldn’t know, because I never listened to Death Metal at all.

-Listening to Tapping The Vein after so many years, what emotions or memories came up for you? Did any particular tracks stand out for you differently than they did when you first performed them?

ANDY: It was a very cool trip, to dive deep into the albums DNA. My memories are crystal clear, because I was never high on drugs or drank too much alcohol. I still love the songs, especially „Body Parts“ and „Skinned Alive“.

– This album is known for its raw energy and dark themes. What do you think was driving Sodom creatively during its recording? Were there any external influences, either personal or societal, that shaped the direction of the music?

ANDY: The music and the inspiration itself was the driving force behind it all. Lyrically we wrote about what we felt was worth writing about. Stuff we saw on the news, religion, some evil fantasy stuff. But I don’t think we wanted to write „important“ lyrics. Just what we saw good topics and maybe discussion points.

– The deluxe reissue includes live recordings from Tokyo in 1992. Sodom has always had a special connection with Japanese fans. How do you remember those early tours in Japan, and what was it like experiencing the country’s metal culture for the first time?

ANDY: In 1992 I was 21 years old when we toured in Japan, and it was like landing on a different planet. It was really awesome, the fans were great and everybody was supervise to us. I have nothing but great memories.The fans were wild and dedicated, but also very disciplined in their behavior towards each other. Even in the craziest mosh pit nobody got hurt.

– Sodom continues to attract younger fans, even decades after albums like Tapping The Vein were released. How does it feel to see a new generation discovering your music? Do you think there’s something in the band’s message or energy that speaks across generations?

ANDY: It´s a great testament to the timelessness of the music. I love when younger fans approach me and tell me how much they like TTV. You have to stay true to yourself and do what you feel. That usually finds its way into the hearts of people.

– Looking back on your early days with Sodom, what’s one thing you miss the most about that time? And what do you appreciate now about being a veteran in the metal scene that you didn’t realize when you were younger?

ANDY: I don´t feel like a veteran. The best is yet to come. I don’t miss anything, but I would tell my younger self „Be patient, everything will turn out just fine. Always!“

– Thanks again for answering these questions. If you’d like to add any final thoughts, the floor is yours.

ANDY: Be kind to yourself and others!