Year: 2022
Total Time: 46:16
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
It’s already been five years since the last studio album of German Thrashers KREATOR, who are particularly beloved by the Greek audience. “God Of Violence”, which was released back then, is probably their most successful album, in commercial terms at least, something that raised the bar even higher and increased our expectations for the future. The time for its successor has arrived and their 15th album with the characteristic title “Hate Über Alles”, is finally here.
The album’s intro is already interesting, as it is titled “Sergio Corbucci Is Dead”, an unnecessary reminder, as the director in question has been deceased since 1990, but its spaghetti/western style is reminiscent of compositions by the also Italian, Ennio Morricone, so if nothing else it catches the attention.
The title track that follows, is a classic KREATOR composition, one of those that we know from old times and we love fiercely, so the thought is that we are off to a good start. The follow up with ” Killer Of Jesus”, is similar in power, I don’t know who it’s referring to, as it doesn’t name him, but my mind goes somewhere …. In “Crush The Tyrants”, the gears drop a bit, but the power remains.
The band might show a mood of experimentation, but much more I would say, a desire to refer to their influences and their roots, as “Strongest Of The Strong”, “Become Immortal” and “Conquer And Destroy” are pure Ηeavy Μetal tracks that have gone throught the “grinding process” of the Germans. But we didn’t mind at all … as we’ve been saying lately, “These things are good to happen!” The tracks could have been written e.g. by ACCEPT, if they decided to go heavier and follow the path of Thrash!
“Conquer And Destroy” is quite melodic for KREATOR’s style and experimental I would say, coming out of the band’s dark times back in the ’90s. However, the nice guitar work, its steady tempo and Mille’s resolute vocals make it particularly enjoyable, a different version of the band in the present day. “Midnight Sun” is another similar case, as it features female vocals for the first time in the band’s history, with the participation of New Wave/Pop artist Sofia Portanet, quite different, it seems as if they had it in the drawer since the days of “Endorama” and dug it up recently.
In “Demonic Future” the balance is restored, but not for long, as in “Pride Comes Before The Fall” it is disturbed again. I have nothing special to say about these two tracks, so let’s move on to the closing track, “Dying Planet”, which is a collaboration between Mille and the band’s new bassist Frédéric Leclercq (ex-DRAGONFORCE, SINSAENUM). It’s seven minutes long, but in my humble opinion, if its duration was shorter, it would be easier to listen to and get into it!
As the umpteenth hearing of the album of our favourite leaders of the German Big 4 of Thrash Metal has come to its end, I am in the pleasant position to express my great satisfaction for the overall result. It is an album worthy of the band’s long history, something that is not easy after 40 years of presence in the music scene, with many great songs, experimentation that does not escape the limits they have set and the most important thing, everyone is in great shape! Mille kills it on vocals, Ventor’s drumming is solid and powerful with a very good sound, while Sami Yli-Sirniö’s (ex-WALTARI) guitars, who is already ten years in the band, give the freshness that is needed for the compositions to stand at the highest level that we all expect and demand.
Weak or “unfortunate” moments will always exist, but their power and ferocity are here along with many strong compositions that make the album significant in its field and of course essential for the friends of the historic band.
Rating: 7/10
Editor: Antonis Livanios
Related Link: KREATOR – Official Page
