The German thrash metal band Sodom was founded by lead singer/guitarist Tom Angelripper as a desperate attempt to get out of having to mine coal in his home of Gelsenkrichen, Germany. As Angelripper (born: Thomas Such) found musicians who shared a common passion for heavy metal, the group began to take shape and help pioneer the Teutonic thrash metal scene in Germany. Though the group has experienced a number of line up changes over the years, Angelripper is still behind the mic and is able to belt out vocals as strong as ever.