The unique music documentary “The Art of Destruction” about the legendary thrash metal band Destruction celebrated its world premiere at Berlin’s CineStar CUBIX at Alexanderplatz on March 6, 2025. In addition to the film team, all of the band’s musicians around lead singer and bassist Schmier attended the premiere at the CineStar-Berlin cinema, CUBIX at Alexanderplatz, along with numerous fans and guests from the film and music scene.
The world premiere of the new film about the thrash metal band Destruction attracted numerous fans and music enthusiasts to the CineStar at Alexanderplatz in Berlin. The evening was all about the band, who were present in person with Schmier (bass, lead vocals), Randy Black (drums), Damir Eskić (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Martin Furia (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) to experience the premiere together with their audience.
After the screening, bandleader Schmier and filmmakers Denise Dörner and Ili Jelusic took time for an in-depth discussion with the audience. The evening was moderated by music journalist (Metal Hammer) Katrin Riedel. The film discussion that followed the premiere in front of the screen in Cinema 9 of the CUBIX-Filmpalast offered exciting insights into the making of the film and the band.





A special highlight followed afterwards: At a signing session, fans were able to get autographs on movie posters and autograph cards and talk to the band in person. The merchandise stand was very busy – especially the first copies of the new studio album “BIRTH OF MALICE”, which was officially released a few hours later on March 7, 2025 at 00:00 on Napalm Records, were in high demand. In addition to the album, numerous other fan articles were also sold, which once again impressively demonstrated the great anticipation and support of the fans for Destruction and the film.
The premiere offered a successful mix of film, music and direct exchange with the band. For fans and guests alike, it was a special evening that once again demonstrated the close connection between Destruction and their audience.


The celebrity guests at the premiere included other artists, fellow musicians and music legends, such as Mille Petrozza (Kreator), music producer Harris Johns (Sodom, Tankard, Slipknot, Einstürzende Neubauten and others), film director and producer Cordula Kablitz-Post (“FCK 2020 – Two and a half years with Scooter”), producer and songwriter Andy Poszieetc.), film director and producer Cordula Kablitz-Post (“FCK 2020 – Two and a half years with Scooter”), producer and songwriter Andy Posdziech and many others.

Founded in Weil am Rhein in 1982, the thrash metal band Destruction is one of the “Big Four” of German thrash metal alongside Kreator, Sodom and Tankard. With their uncompromising music and energetic live performances, they have won millions of fans worldwide and released numerous albums that are considered classics of the genre.
The documentary “The Art of Destruction” by Ili Jelusic and Denise Dörner offers a unique insight behind the scenes of this influential band. Singer Schmier and guitarist Mike, both in their mid-50s, are at the transition to a new phase in their lives and dream of a joint world tour with Sodom and Kreator. But unexpected events call their plans into question and threaten the existence of the band.
Over a period of five years, the filmmakers accompanied the band and collected exclusive material that stands out from traditional, interview-heavy documentaries. In reportage-like scenes, the viewer dives deep into the world of Destruction and experiences the highs and lows of life as a heavy metal musician at first hand – from gigs in small, sweaty clubs to huge open-air stages. Schmier always remains true to his convictions and leads the band through every challenge. “The Art of Destruction” uncompromisingly shows what it means to lead a life for heavy metal and provides intimate insights into the passion and fighting spirit of one of thrash metal’s most influential bands.
After the Berlin world premiere, the film will be released in selected cinemas on UCM.ONE ‘s NONFY Documentaries film label. A cinema tour with several stops will take place at the same time:
Saturday, 08.03.2025 | Munich | 21:15 | Leopold Kinos |
Sunday, 09.03.2025 | Augsburg | 15:00 | Liliom |
Monday, 10.03.2025 | Aschaffenburg | 20:30 | Casino |
Tuesday, 11.03.2025 | Frankfurt | 20:45 h | Harmonie Kino |
Wednesday, 12.03.2025 | Mainz | 18:00 h | Capitol |
Friday, 14.03.2025 | Düsseldorf | 21:00 h | Atelier |
Saturday, 29.03.2025 | Weil am Rhein | 19:30 h | Kinopalast |
More information about the movie: The Art Of Destruction
More information about the music label: Napalm Records