KREATOR – “PHANTOM ANTICHRIST”
NUCLEAR BLAST (2012)

Metal Church - The Present Wasteland

It was twenty seven years ago that the Essen-based Thrash Metal legends Kreator released their ground-breaking debut “Endless Pain”. Since then, they have managed to etsablish themselves in the consciousness of every extreme Metal fan as leaders of said genre. Those who have religiously followed the band’s career over the years are well aware that the band incorporates a variety of elements in their music, some of which cause friction between them and their most loyal fan base, however the last decade or so Miland “Mille” Petrozza and co. have returned to doing what they know best; – i.e., playing riff-orientated melodic Thrash Metal. This ‘back to the roots’ approach has given birth to numerous top quality releases, the latest of which is “Phantom Antichrist” – the band’s thirteenth studio album.

I am happy that I am not a superstitious person as I might have been worried about the quality of this release, being their thirteenth studio effort and all, but even for those of you who are that way inclined all I have to say is: do not worry! Why? Simply because “Phantom Antichrist” is the best album that Kreator have released since they decided to re-discover their classic sound. Contrary to albums like “Enemy Of God” and “Hordes Of Chaos” which have been accused by some of relying too heavily on Gothenburg-style riffs and melodies, this album’s ten compositions are closer in terms of approach and feel to “Coma Of Souls” (1990). More importantly, Kreator have managed to incorporate a few new elements in their music in such a well-balanced and intelligent way that the end result is a classic-sounding album which, at the same time, sounds really fresh and challenging!

Following the atmospheric opener “Mars Mantra”, the listener is introduced to the up-tempo riffs and catchy lead melodies of the same-titled “Phantom Antichrist”, after which being completely blown away by the head banging tunes of the trully bombastic “Death To The World” which can only be described as a ‘classic in the making’. “From Flood Into Fire” will certainly impress with flair and rhythmical variety, “Civilization Collapse” will truly impress with its commanding old-school riffing while “United In Hate” will provide many moments of sing-along bliss for you to indulge in. No song portrays the band’s techinical skills better than the prog-sounding “The Few, The Proud, The Broken” and no composition is better proof that darkness and heaviness can co-exist in Thrash Metal than “Your Heaven, My Hell”. If what you are looking for is more catchy riffs and sing-along choruses you should definitely check out “Victory Will Come” while those who are interested to see how medieval-sounding melodies can combine with head banging riffs should pay attention to “Until Our Paths Cross Again” – one of the most epic and daring compositions ever written by this band.

Kreator have been an active band for a good thirty years now and whereas most people would expect them to start slowing things down, they seem to be reaching new heights! Though I trully enjoyed albums such as “Enemy Of God” (2005) and “Hordes Of Chaos” (2009) it is only now that Kreator have managed to record an album that is varied and cohesive enough to be called a ‘classic’. This ten track album consists only of thrillers, no fillers, and will undoubtedly appeal to all who like their classic Thrash Metal to sound fresh and exciting. Have Kreator managed to release the Thrash Metal album of the year? I have not yet heard the new Testament album, but I believe that they probably have!

John Stefanis

Rating: ***** (5.0/5.0)

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
RIOGHAN Hands (Inverse Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)