Back in 1982 -- when Destruction's original lineup was formed in Lörrach, Germany -- a 26th anniversary was probably the last thing on the band's mind.

But sure enough, Destruction celebrated their 26th anniversary in 2008, and even though they have had their creative ups and downs along the way, they deserve credit for longevity.

This 2008 release, it turns out, is one of Destruction's more consistent efforts.

Quite often, these German headbangers have been hell-bent for speed, but D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.

isn't as speed-obsessed as some of their albums.

Speed is definitely an important part of the equation; there is plenty of thrashiness on D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.

(this is a thrash metal/speed metal band, after all), although the material seldom comes across as speed for the sake of speed or velocity for the sake of velocity.

And on D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N., Destruction's material is mildly technical at times.

Nonetheless, this 48-minute CD always manages to sound like a bone fide Destruction album; Destruction's identity remains intact on scorching, balls-to-the-wall items such as "Last Desperate Scream," "Elevator to Hell," "No One Shall Survive," and "Offenders of the Throne." No one can accuse Destruction of maintaining the exact same lineup for 26 consecutive years, but the personnel changes they have had along the way haven't prevented Destruction from continuing to sound like Destruction.

While D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.

falls short of essential, it is certainly decent -- and longtime fans will be happy to see that they can still pack a brutal wallop after 26 moshing years.