SODOM’s Thomas Angelripper Such Plans to Slow Down in 2025 for Family and Health

In a recent interview with Ghost Cult magazine,Thomas “Angelripper” Such,the legendary frontman of the German thrash metal band SODOM,shared insights into the band’s future plans and his personal reflections on balancing life and music.Known for his unwavering commitment to the metal scene, Angelripper revealed a desire to slow down in the coming years. “I don’t want to stop with the band, but I need to take it easier,” he said.“Like Tom Araya from SLAYER, I need more time for my family, my hobbies, my friends, and myself. Slowing down is necessary.”

Reflecting on the intense post-pandemic touring schedule, Angelripper opened up about the physical and mental toll it has taken on him. “I need a break,” he admitted. “After the pandemic, we played so manny shows and stayed busy every day. I’ve been working 12 hours or more daily, and it’s catching up to me. I’m dealing with health issues—my spine, neck, ears, and eyes. I need to address these problems, but it’s hard when you’re constantly on the road. We’ll see how things go after the new album and the fans’ reactions.”

Angelripper also discussed how reducing the band’s touring commitments could lead to new creative opportunities. “If we cut back on shows next year, I’ll have more time to focus on our back catalog, work on new material, and explore other projects,” he explained. “Touring takes a lot out of you—traveling, soundchecks, hotels. It’s exhausting. I need to prioritize my time and health.”

In November 2023, SODOM released their latest EP, “1982”, under the SPV/Steamhammer label. This followed their 2020 studio album, “Genesis XIX”, which was recorded by Siggi Bemm and mastered by Patrick W. Engel. The album’s striking cover art was created by Joe Petagno, known for his iconic work with MOTÖRHEAD.

what Are the Three Methods for Creating an Empty String in Python?

Creating an empty string in Python is a fundamental task that can be achieved in several ways.Here are three common methods:

• using Double Quotes: Simply assign two double quotes with no space between them, like this: empty_string = "".
• Using Single Quotes: Similar to double quotes, you can use single quotes: empty_string = ''.
• Using the str() function: You can also create an empty string by calling the str() function without arguments: empty_string = str().

These methods are simple yet effective for initializing empty strings in Python, making them essential tools for any programmer.

How to Create an Empty String in Python: A Extensive Guide

Empty strings are a fundamental concept in Python programming. They serve as placeholders, initializers, or even representations of “nothing” in text-based data. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coder, understanding how to create and use empty strings effectively can streamline your coding process. Let’s dive into the most common methods for initializing empty strings in Python.

1. Using Quotation Marks

The simplest way to create an empty string is by assigning a pair of single ('') or double ("") quotation marks to a variable. This method is straightforward and widely used in Python programming. Here’s how it works:

python
empty_string = ""

This approach is not only easy to implement but also highly readable, making it a favorite among developers.

2.Leveraging the str() Constructor

Another way to initialize an empty string is by using Python’s built-in str() constructor. When called without any arguments, it returns an empty string.Here’s an example:

python
empty_string = str()

This method is particularly useful when you want to emphasize the creation of a string object explicitly. It’s a clean and efficient way to achieve the same result as using quotation marks.

3.String Formatting and Concatenation

While less common, you can also create an empty string through string formatting or concatenation. For instance, using Python’s format() method with an empty argument will yield an empty string:

python
empty_string = "{}".format("")

This technique might not be as intuitive as the previous methods, but it demonstrates the versatility of Python’s string manipulation capabilities.

Why Use Empty strings?

Empty strings are incredibly versatile. They are often used to initialize variables before appending or concatenating other strings. They also act as placeholders in scenarios were text data is expected but not yet available. Whether you’re building a dynamic text generator or handling user input, empty strings play a crucial role in ensuring your code runs smoothly.

For a deeper dive into Python’s string handling, check out this informative guide on initializing empty strings.

How do you plan to balance SODOM’s future touring schedule wiht your desire to prioritize your health and well-being?

Archyde Exclusive Interview: Thomas “Angelripper” Such Reflects on 40 Years of SODOM, Future Plans, and the Need for Balance

In a candid conversation with Archyde, Thomas “Angelripper” Such, the legendary frontman of the German thrash metal band SODOM, opened up about the band’s monumental 40-year journey, his personal struggles, and the band’s future direction. Known for his unrelenting dedication to the metal scene, Angelripper shared a more reflective side, emphasizing the need for balance between life and music.

Archyde: Congratulations on 40 years of SODOM! How does it feel to look back on four decades of unrivaled thrash metal?

Angelripper: Thank you.It’s surreal. We started in 1982 in Gelsenkirchen-Buer, and here we are, still going strong. The authenticity and rawness of SODOM have never wavered, and that’s something I’m proud of. The fans have been with us every step of the way, and it’s their energy that keeps us going.

Archyde: In a recent interview with Ghost Cult magazine,you mentioned a desire to slow down. Can you elaborate on that?

angelripper: Yes, I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I don’t want to stop with the band, but I need to take it easier. Like Tom araya from SLAYER, I need more time for my family, my hobbies, my friends, and myself. Slowing down is necessary. The pandemic was a wake-up call for many of us, and I’ve realized that I need to prioritize my health and well-being.

Archyde: You’ve also spoken about the toll of the post-pandemic touring schedule. How has that affected you?

Angelripper: It’s been intense. After the pandemic, we played so many shows and stayed busy every day. I’ve been working 12 hours or more daily, and it’s catching up to me. I’m dealing with health issues—my spine,neck,ears,and eyes. I need to address these problems, but it’s hard when you’re constantly on the road. We’ll see how things go after the new album and the fans’ reactions.

Archyde: You mentioned reducing touring commitments could lead to new creative opportunities. What are you thinking about in terms of projects?

Angelripper: If we cut back on shows next year, I’ll have more time to focus on our back catalog, work on new material, and explore other projects. Touring takes a lot out of you—traveling,soundchecks,hotels. It’s exhausting. I need to prioritize my time and health. There are ideas I’ve had for years that I’ve never had the chance to develop, and this could be the time for that.

Archyde: SODOM’s latest EP, “1982”, was released in November 2023.Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?

Angelripper: “1982” is a nod to our beginnings. It’s raw, unfiltered, and a reminder of where we started. The EP is under the SPV/Steamhammer label, and it’s been a great experience working with them. It’s a bridge between our past and what’s to come.

Archyde: Looking back on SODOM’s discography, what album stands out to you the most?

angelripper: “Genesis XIX” (2020) is special. It was recorded by Siggi Bemm and mastered by Patrick W.Engel, and the cover art by Joe Petagno gave it a striking visual identity. That album was a testament to our evolution,but it also stayed true to our roots.

archyde: What message would you like to share with the fans who’ve supported SODOM for 40 years?

Angelripper: I would say thank you for being with us through every hell and every battle. Your support has been the fuel for our journey. While I’m looking to balance things more, I promise that SODOM will continue to bring the same intensity and authenticity we’ve always had. Metal is about resilience, and that’s what we’ll keep delivering.

As SODOM celebrates 40 years of relentless thrash metal, Angelripper’s reflections offer a glimpse into the future of the band—one that balances the ferocity of the music with the humanity of the artist. Fans can expect a slower pace but with no less passion, as SODOM continues to forge its legacy in the metal scene.