Kreator – Krushers Of The World Review

[Album artwork by Zbigniew Bielak]

Since at least 2012’s Phantom Antichrist, Kreator has been an arena metal juggernaut. No matter how one feels about the releases that followed, we can agree that record, for better or worse, represents a pivotal moment in the history of this band.

Phantom Antichrist may have been the first in a series of similar albums, but it was Kreator at its arena metal peak – a distilled version of what Kreator was then, sure, but also fully charged and inspired. Right out the gate, the title track was proof of that; an undeniably speedy and memorable thrash song that, in its four and a half minutes, sounded kind of epic. “Phantom Antichrist.” “United in Hate.” “Victory Will Come.” Those were the whiplash numbers. Then there were the slower, more obvious arena-driven songs (“From Flood into Fire” and “Your Heaven, My Hell”). Together, this all sounded purposely concert oriented. But Phantom Antichrist had a ton of charm, some fun riffs, and, of course, an affable frontman. That particular combination of things worked extremely well, this time – to the point that it remains a favorite of mine, and judging by the love it has received online since, a favorite of others, as well.

Though enjoyable to varying degrees, the two releases since Phantom Antichrist – Gods of Violence and Hate Uber Alles – felt like overly conservative attempts to build on its success. At least Gods of Violence was memorable. The arena-driven to whiplash ratio was noticeably imbalanced, but the songs stuck. Hate Uber Alles felt like the unfortunate product of the law of diminishing returns. This isn’t to say that I didn’t like it; only that Phantom Antichrist set a high bar that felt increasingly out-of-reach for a band playing this safe.

How, then, would 2026 greet Kreator’s Krushers of the World? Quite well, apparently. Reviews have been extremely positive. But Gods of Violence and Hate Uber Alles received similar praise. So what does one do in this situation but listen with fresh ears and a cautious optimism?

Put simply, Krushers of the World is the best Kreator record since Phantom Antichrist and a good Kreator record in its own right. That quote won’t end up on the sticker you see on the plastic shrink wrap. But a good Kreator record is still miles ahead of a great record from most bands, and something worth celebrating.

So what distinguishes Krushers of the World from Gods of Violence and Hate Uber Alles? Principally, it’s that same Phantom Antichrist-like combination of charm, fun riffs, and affable frontman. But let’s get specific. Because this album deserves it. And we’ll go element by element – first charm; then riffs; and, finally, affable frontman.

If Krushers of the World succeeds in one area more than others, it’s in reinvigorating Kreator with the charm that’s been missing the last fourteen years. These ten songs are, mostly, memorable. The arena-driven (“Krushers of the World”) to whiplash (“Seven Serpents”) ratio seems about right. And, more importantly, these songs sound like they’re being played by a band that enjoys playing them. Go figure. Execution matters. Kreator sounds inspired again. There’s a level of enthusiasm and commitment to the arena thrash metal schtick that feels infectious. And that alone moves Krushers closer to Phantom Antichrist-like territory.

Also, kudos to Kreator for letting fun riffs define the songs again. There’s a playfulness here – you can almost hear the wink – that was largely absent from Gods of Violence and Hate Uber Alles. This is part of the album’s aforementioned charm, but it’s also a distinct feature and selling point of Krushers. Fist-pump worthy songs like “Satanic Anarchy” and “Blood of Our Blood” need riffs to do the heavy lifting. That may have been the disconnect between me and Hate Uber Alles, in particular. Here, Kreator again embraces what made some of the choruses in Phantom Antichrist so powerful – the riffs they stood on.

Finally, Mille Petrozza is the voice of Kreator; literally, lyrically, and thematically. His commitment to this character he has developed over the life of the band is no small consideration. And this, like the riffs, is also part of Krushers’ aforementioned charm. These are serious lyrics sung in that distinctive tone only Mille Petrozza can manage; his vocal delivery will never not be a principal feature of Kreator. That is no less true here, where his voice is another essential layer of and contribution to the enthusiasm that colors Krushers of the World.

Photo by Robert Eikelpoth

Posted by Chris C

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