Kreator - Hordes of Chaos (2009) ©Steamhammer Records Germany

Kreator - Hordes of Chaos (2009)
©Steamhammer Records
Germany

Tracklist:

1. Hordes of Chaos (A Necrologue for the Elite) (5:04)
2. Warcurse (4:10)
3. Escalation (3:24)
4. Amok Run (4:12)
5. Destroy What Destroys You (3:13)
6. Radical Resistance (3:43)
7. Absolute Misanthropy (3:37)
8. To the Afterborn (4:53)
9. Corpses of Liberty (0:55)
10. Demon Prince (5:16)

It's a terribly mournful day when a group of masterful musicians release an album so bland and pale in comparison to their previous efforts that they pretty much deny its existence all-together and refrain from playing much of it during their live concerts. But enough talk about Metallica's "St. Anger" because I'm talking about real fucking Thrash Metal here. No if's, and's, or but's to it. This is nothing but pure balls to the wall, zero bullshit Metal you fight, drink and raise Hell to.

I was terrified upon obtaining this release for one sole reason. How in Hell could Kreator top 2005's perfect "Enemy of God"? Well in short, honestly - they didn't achieve that goal and did not top that album, and probably never will. No, what Kreator did instead was create something completely on par with it on every level while introducing even a few new aspects in the process.

What's presented here in "Hordes of Chaos" is pure Kreator, you can't deny that. It's all here. Tight speedy drumming, technical thrash riffs, harmonized guitar solos and of course, Mille Petrozza's signature screams which could shatter the windows of Hell themselves. On top of all this beauty and malice is something new I detect. It's trace amounts, but it's definitely noticeable and notable that Kreator have introduced few Punk elements into their signature sound further expanding their horizons of what they can accomplish. The best example I can think of which clearly depicts that which I am describing is the chorus of "Radical Resistance". Let's become clear here though. "Hordes of Chaos" is far from being a punk album. It's even miles away from being compared to the genre. I am still however convinced that few elements are present and they all work wonders for Mille and co.

As for production quality, "Hordes..." stands below the ranks of "Enemy of God" and "Violent Revolution" (2003). Having been recorded in a live setting, the sound presented is a little rawer than the aforementioned albums which gives this album a more aggressive feel in the likes of "Cause for Conflict" (1995). As far as instruments go, "Hordes..." once again displays the undeniable fact that Jürgen Reil, Christian Giesler and Sami Yli-Sirniö know how to sync their ideas and emotions together powerfully through the playing skills of their respective instruments. Throw these aspect in with Mille's chaotic vocals, and what you have is absolute mastery and adroitness.

"Hordes of Chaos" is a class of its own in German Thrash Metal. Each track on the album stands out on its own with zero repetition. It's a welcomed change from "Enemy of God" but not so far as to not be recognized as Kreator doing what they do best... Creating pure metal

Definitely recommended.