Tracklist:
Apocalypticon
World War Now
Satan Is Real
Totalitarian Terror
Gods of Violence
Army of Storms
Hail to the Hordes
Lion With Eagle Wings
Fallen Brother
Side by Side
Death Becomes My Light
Artist: Kreator
Title: Gods of Violence
Release Date: 01/27 Year: 2017
Label: Nuclear Blast
Rating: 4 skulls
One word that perhaps most suitably describes German thrash metal band Kreator is “unrelenting”. The adjective comes to mind when considering not only the band’s work ethic but also the music itself that Kreator has been producing since their formation in 1982. Now fourteen releases into their career, Kreator have made a name for themselves in the global thrash scene, as well as continue to innovate and push the envelope for the genre in terms of not only speed and aggression, but melody as well. Those privy to thrash metal are undoubtedly aware of the band’s dedication to their craft, making them a staple in the underground and beyond.
Following 2012’s Phantom Antichrist, which stands as one of my personal favorite metal records of all-time, comes Gods of Violence. Clocking in at just over 50 minutes in length, the album offers more of what fans might expect from a modern-day Kreator release. Gods of Violence opens with intro track “Apocalypticon”, which is, quite honestly, everything an intro to a Kreator album should be. This gives way to “World War Now”, an all-out assault that features an explosion of heavy riffs, blistering double bass grooves, and lyrics that cut through to your very core. Lead singer Mille Petrozza emotionally begs the questions “can’t you feel our earth is burning?” and “can’t you feel the end is coming?”, questions that are undeniably relevant today and important to consider.
Gods of Violence swiftly moves forward as bells signal the arrival of “Satan Is Real”. Drummer Jürgen Reil continues to showcase his outstanding knack for double bass drumming as well as his ability to simply keep time, flawlessly switching from blazing speed to tasteful groove. The speed continues with tracks such as “Totalitarian Terror”, title track “Gods of Violence”, “Army of Storms”, and quite honestly, most of the tracks on this record.
While a fast pace is almost crucial to any Kreator release, the band has notably incorporated a fair amount of melody as the years have gone on, a change that is quite obvious and marks a significant difference between the band’s Pleasure to Kill-era sound and today. This is particularly heard in cuts such as “Hail to the Hordes”, “Fallen Brother”, and “Death Becomes My Light”, although it can be found throughout the record. The hook in “Hail to the Hordes” will undoubtedly be caught in your head after listening, as today’s Kreator once again show what they do best; a polished balance between both fast and slow, melodic sections – what many of us fans have come to expect in recent years.
Overall, Gods of Violence is surely an album you will want to pay attention to as we start the year. While this release is not a total innovation, Kreator continues to prove its worth as one of the best and most creative thrash metal bands around, as well as excite listeners with ongoing advancements to their signature sound. Rather than try to convey the feeling this music evokes, be sure to crank Gods of Violence on January 27th and let the music speak for itself. Do not sleep on this album as it is clear evidence to the fact that the 80s thrash metal sound is alive and well, and I, for one, couldn’t be happier about it.
Catch Kreator on the 2017 Decibel Magazine Tour with alongside Obituary, Midnight, and Horrendous.
Friday, March 17 – Charlotte, NC – Underground
Saturday, March 18 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Sunday, March 19 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
Monday, March 20 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
Tuesday, March 21 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Wednesday, March 22 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Friday, March 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Club Red
Saturday, March 25 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory
Sunday, March 26 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Monday, March 27 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
Tuesday, March 28 – Seattle, WA – Neptune
Wednesday, March 29 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw
Friday, March 31 – Calgary, AB – MacEwan Ballroom
Saturday, April 01 – Edmonton, AB – Union Hall
Tuesday, April 04 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
Thursday, April 06 – Minneapolis, MN – Cabooze
Friday, April 07 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Saturday, April 08 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue
Sunday, April 09 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
Tuesday, April 11 – Toronto, ON – Opera House
Wednesday, April 12 – Montreal, QC – Club Soda
Thursday, April 13 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
Friday, April 14 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Saturday, April 15 – Philadelphia, PA – TLA
