KREATOR

Hordes Of Chaos

SPV/ CD

It's safe to say that German thrash metallers KREATOR have achieved almost everything they could wished for. Recognition of the fans all over the world, status of the leading act in the European thrash metal scene, a permanent place in history of heavy metal music. Being considered as another German icon, having achieved widespread popularity Mr. Mille Petrozza could go for a musical retirement and finally, after so many hard-working years- enjoy life of a free man. But he doesn't plan to stop KREATOR. He would rather lose his genitals than determination and dedication to metal music...

"Hordes Of Chaos" is the twelfth full length album of KREATOR and this fact is sufficient by itself to prove Petrozza's pro-creative ability. The more so because that's another quite successful album of the band. I would describe "Hordes Of Chaos" as a logical continuation of KREATOR's previous album "Enemy Of God" with some additional references to "Extreme Aggression"- KREATOR's milestone album from 1989. You shouldn't expect here neither any drastic style changes nor weird experimentations. Ok, listening to Petrozza's melodic singing at the beginning of "Amok Run" may be really shocking and strange for you, but except for this little piece KREATOR on "Hordes Of Chaos" don't explore any unknown, as-yet-unconquered territories. The album features a bunch of songs deeply rooted in band's tradition, fast, direct and aggressive yet still enough melodic and catchy to follow. Like the opening, title track based upon really violent and fast riffing skillfully blended with melodic leading lines and great, chaotic guitar solo, or "Warcurse"- another burst of thrash metal energy, filled with superfast guitar riffing and some melodic hooks. Sometimes there can be heard some contradictions, songs like "Radical Resistance" or "Demon Prince" could have easily fitted on “Extreme Aggression” while "To The After Burn" is probably one of the most melodic songs in KREATOR's history. I think that variety makes this album a disjointed and incoherent work, nevertheless I still appreciate band's inventiveness which is boundless. This is definitely their strength, whether you like it or not.

Nothing to complain about the album production. "Hordes Of Chaos" was produced by Moses Schneider, renowned for his works with such artists as BEATSTEAKS or TOCOTRONIC and mixed by famous Colin Richardson. Two different producers, with completely different musical tastes have allowed KREATOR to sound powerfull, aggressive and really fresh. I think it was a very good decision to change something in the sound department and look for some new solutions in order to make this album even more interesting for listener's ears. If you like KREATOR's previous works, you will not be disappointed with "Hordes Of Chaos". This album is yet another solid and quite successful effort of the band from Essen. How much is "Hordes Of Chaos" worth, compared to KREATOR's classic albums? Time shall tell...

9/12