Album Review: Kreator - Hate Über Alles

Kreator are arguably one of the most influential Thrash Metal bands to emerge from Europe. Not only is Hate Über Alles their 15th studio album but 2022 also marks the 40th year of their tenure which is an incredible milestone. The German Thrash Metal heavyweights continue to knock it out the park with their exhilarating assault on heavy metal.

‘Sergio Corbucci Is Dead‘ is a tribute to the Italian film director, producer and screenwriter known for incredibly violent Spaghetti Westerns. A solemn, atmospheric and provocative opening instrumental which stands out in such as way that it almost seems misplaced yet it perfectly transitions in to the title track which showcases a drastic change of pace. With thunderous blastbeats, lightning fast riffage, soaring solos and deafening screams, ‘Hate Über Alles’ kickstarts the record off strongly and maintains that ferocious consistency throughout. ‘Killer of Jesus‘ continues that crunching momentum with fist-pumping chants and more soaring solos and catchy hooks.

‘Crush The Tyrants‘ changes gear with mid-tempo pounding drums and groove-laden riffage followed by ‘Strongest of the Strong;’ a crowd-rousing anthem and ‘Become Immortal‘ a tribute to old school heavy metal with it’s Judas Priest-esque mood and crowd-chanting, catchy choruses.

As the record slides in to the latter half, ‘Conquer and Destroy‘ releases a dual guitar opening before descending in to ferocious, speed-defying riffage, brilliantly complimenting ‘Midnight Sun,’ the only track released from the record which features guest vocals from Sofia Portanet, a new wave vocalist from Germany. The introduction of Portanet’s ethereal vocals offsets the harsh vocalisation from Mille Petrozza creating a spectacular stand-out track.

‘Demonic Future’ is epically groovy combined with a vigorously chugging intensity leading the charge in to the penultimate track ‘Pride Comes Before The Fall;‘ sombre and atmospheric in nature to begin with before reigniting with melodic aggression. Lastly, ‘Dying Planet;’ is a dark, intense, Slayer-esque offering which closes the record with an aggressive, mid-tempo soundscape of pure aggression.

Each track on this record is a blistering onslaught of epic proportions. With lightning riffage, screaming solos, thunderous drumming and consistently ferocious vocals, Kreator have once again shown that they are titans among the thrash metal world and show no signs of stagnation or slowing down.

Rating: 9/10

Released By: Nuclear Blast

Release Date: 10th June 2022

For Fans Of: Sodom, Overkill, Exodus

Favourite Track(s): Killer of Jesus, Crush The Tyrants