Originally posted on Valkyrian Music.
“Gods Of Violence” or how to make the same thing and still sound fabulous.
When “Phantom Antichrist” was released, I used keywords such as technique, melody and elaborate guitars; now, almost five years later, the same words pop up in my mind. Yet it doesn’t leave a taste of repetitiveness but of… familiarity.
Living up to its name, “Apocalypticon” is an epic promise of war, a promise that starts being fulfilled right afterwards, with the fierceness of “World War Now”. Some sharp melody in-between makes it both classic and classy.
“Satan Is Real” is the other side of the coin – still belligerent, still menacing, but the rhythm is more grinding than shredding. There’s even some symphonic elements here and there to emphasize the throbs.
“Totalitarian Terror” is something I’ll love to hear live, a thrash hymn, with a catchy, sing-along chorus.
Okay, I admit some of the acoustic chords of the title-track are a subtle reminder of METALLICA’s “Fade To Black”, but the rest of the song is very KREATOR-like and another strong candidate to a live favorite.
The spunky spirit of “Army Of Storms”, the force of “Hail To The Hordes”, the mischief of “Lion With Eagle Wings”, the militant “Fallen Brother”, that weeping solo of “Side By Side”, “Death Becomes My Light” brings over a little more semi-acoustic moments – these not similar to any other band’s – before galloping away at full speed… KREATOR are able of pulling out sophisticated tweaks off their sleeves, delivering exactly what is expected of them, both as a thrash metal band and as a veteran, professional act.
Label: Nuclear Blast
Producer: Jens Bogren
Tracklist:
1. Apocalypticon
2. World War Now
3. Satan Is Real
4. Totalitarian Terror
5. Gods of Violence
6. Army of Storms
7. Hail to the Hordes
8. Lion with Eagle Wings
9. Fallen Brother
10. Side by Side
11. Death Becomes My Light
12. Earth Under the Sword (Japanese Bonus Track)
Front Row Forever 