When the masters and rulers of thrash metal are discussed, everyone goes to the Big Four, understandably, or to bands such as Exodus or Testament. Kreator never seems to appear early enough in those conversations, at least domestically as they never got the same level of exposure here. But they should get even more love than they do.
Their 16th record “Krushers of the World” is about to land, and while it might not be what really breaks them in the States, it’s another solid entry from a band without a goddamn thing to prove. Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Miland “Mille” Petrozza, guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö, bassist Frédéric Leclercq, and drummer Jürgen “Ventor” Reil, the band delivers what very much sounds like a Kreator record with a few surprises attached. It’s not their heaviest or most acidic work, but it’s still a pretty good piece of business ripe for replaying. Oh, one negative is the band used AI for two of the promo videos for this record, but apparently nothing involving the artwork and music on this album. But still, ugh.
“Seven Serpents” starts and is a classic Kreator opener, even if it isn’t necessarily a total barnstormer. The leads are warmer, and the band takes its time to settle in, Petrozza howling, “Snakes in human form!” Guitars jolt as gothy chorals add ash, feeling atmospheric and blazing as they race to the finish. “Satanic Anarchy” drives with energy, and a great chorus sticks in your head and likely would stand as great call-back fodder live. Verses blister as things even out, the soloing storming and mangling, the call of, “Start the fire!” sparking adrenaline. The title track trudges and burns, a catchy chorus washing over, the thrashiness infused with oxygen. “We are by your side,” Petrozza wails as the playing chugs, creaky speaking freezes your blood, and the final moments melt into the ground. “Tränenpalast” features Britta Görtz (Hiraes/Chaos Rising) howling along with Petrozza, her shrieks feeling deadlier and bloodier. The track itself is inspired by Dario Argento’s 1977 film “Suspiria,” and they pay homage in a mix of fire and ice, the vocals driving deep into your mind, keys trickling away as the fantastical finish enraptures. “Barbarian” opens with added speed and aggression, plastering as the chorus punishes, the speed adding to the attack. The band hits as close to a breakdown as you can expect from them, the screams belting, and the leads powering a heated finish.
“Blood of Our Blood” combusts, pushing with added intensity, the playing feeling punchy and catchy as the chorus jolts. The guitars catch fire as the playing pushes more violently, Petrozza howling, “The eyes are useless when the mind is blind,” as the final shots poke oozing wounds. “Combatants” starts clean before gusting with a blast, the track feeling increasingly anthemic, making energy zap through your brain. “Fight for you life!” Petrozza demands as drums march and the last seconds turn into a total rampage. “Psychotic Imperator” smears with speed and fire, the verses blasting with torment before the choruses further rouse. “Pure! Aggression!” Petrozza belts, the playing liquifying metal and letting a chrome river flow generously. “Deathscream” lets the guitars pace and the vocals energize, the chorus punishing and leaving singed flesh. The soloing engulfs and helps smooth out the brutality, storming to a quaking conclusion. Closer “Loyal to the Grave” is a gem at the end of the record, one that could be a live staple for years. The melodic charge bubbles over and coats with steel, breezier leads electrify, and the pace keeps challenging. “Your soul and mine, they are the same,” Petrozza declares, the classic thrash attack peaking one more time before ending in glory.
Kreator still are creating thrash fire on a consistent basis on “Krushers of the World,” yet another strong record from one of the German scene’s progenitors. While not quite as ferocious as 2022’s “Hate über alles,” this album still explodes with some really strong material that could find permanent slots in their live setlist. This band has been one of thrash’s biggest powers, and their resume more than speaks for itself. So every quality new record we get from them is icing on the heaping thrash cake.
For more on the band, go here: https://www.kreator-terrorzone.de/
To buy the album, go here: https://kreator.bandcamp.com/album/krushers-of-the-world
Meat Mead Metal 