In the thrash metal revival of the early ’00s, numerous bands returned with respectable records, but often fell short of delivering something truly innovative. However, this was not the case for Kreator, who distinguished themselves by releasing exceptionally well-rounded albums. Their music not only sounded fresh and rejuvenated, but also showcased a notable musical evolution without compromising their distinctive identity. Following the release of ‘Coma of Souls’ in 1990 and a decade of experimenting with different musical styles, Kreator released ‘Violent Revolution’, the album that put them back on the map and signaled a triumphant return to their thrash metal roots. Fast forward four years, and few would expect that their new release, ‘Enemy of God’, would match the brilliance of its predecessor. Indeed, Kreator have returned, and they’re here to stay.
This album is a milestone record and marks yet another evolution towards a new musical direction. The melodic hints present in ‘Violent Revolution’ are now more evident and an integral part of the songwriting process. Kreator have built upon the energy and speed of ‘Coma of Souls’ by incorporating melodic riffs and solos, drawing influence from ’80s classic heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Saxon, as well as the Gothenburg scene, though to a lesser extent. Sami Yli-Sirnio is now well-established as part of the band, and his musical background played a pivotal role in this transformation, creating the perfect marriage between his classic rock style and Mille’s insane thrash riffing. Ventor’s drumming, as always, remains immaculate and incredibly creative, showcasing mastery in breaks and tempo shifts. While ‘Enemy of God’ is the most melodic album Kreator had released since then, it remains thrash in its core, without compromising the speed and intensity found in ‘Extreme Aggression’ or ‘Coma of Souls’.
rafazardly 