Metal Centre

All serious metal heads recognize the name KREATOR. Along with SODOM and DESTRUCTION, KREATOR was responsible for making thrash a major component of the German metal scene. After a brief stint as TORMENTOR (not to be confused with the Hungarian band), KREATOR released their first full length, “Endless Pain.” The said album along with proceeding recordings “Pleasure to Kill” and “Terrible Certainty” are often considered some of the best speed metal albums ever! These albums are mandatory items for every speed metal and thrash fan’s album collection. A close look at just about any jean jacket will reveal KREATOR patch, guaranteed.

When talking with many of the above-type fans, they most often cite the first couple KREATOR albums as their favorite. Those albums epitomized the ‘80s speed metal sound, but KREATOR’s career didn’t end twenty-plus years ago. Although the group briefly stumbled in the ‘90s with recordings such as “Renewal” and “Endorama,” their past three records show the band in top form.

Considered the follow up to “Comma of Soul,” “Violent Revolution” bridged the later-era thrash and hardcore sound with early speed metal numbers. It was a glorious return to form. Their follow up, “Enemy of God” relayed KREATOR bridged classic metal melodies with hardcore breakdowns and furious thrashing speed—making it one of their most balanced recordings and a top album in 2005.

KREATOR released “Hordes of Chaos” in the early part of this year. The said album is arguably the best of their career. It brings much of the same elements as “Enemy of God,” but with an in-your-face live recording. “Hordes of Chaos” has an unconscious connection to the topics laid out on “Enemy of God.” “Enemy of God” captured the insane psychology of the religious terrorist, which could have been a response to the atrocities of 911. “Hordes of Chaos” gives a partial look at how the power elite in modern society have capitalized on the fear of those events, thus dividing the populace and using misinformation to initiate war.

Few bands from KREATOR’s era have endured and successfully reinvented their sound as KREATOR. The big four (METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER, ANTHRAX) do not even come close. Their appearance in San Antonio, Texas with EXODUS, BELPHEGOR and WARBRINGER fully upholded the above statement. Before hitting the stage, Metal Centre climbed onto their elaborate bus to discuss “Hordes of Chaos” and their participation in the best thrash tour of the year!