Review KREATOR “Krushers of the World”

Introducing a band like Kreator is like carrying sand to the beach. Mille and his band are without question the North Star of thrash metal and a vital part of heavy metal. Kreator’s debut album was the first of many superb metal records, and “Krushers of the World” is no exception.

Four years after the launch of “Hate über alles” and after an extensive series of live shows, Kreator return with their 16th studio album. Three songs have already been unveiled, giving a great overview of what to expect from this massive thrash metal blast. “Seven Serpents” is the album opener and lead single. The tune opens with a short intro, then comes in with a fierce riff. “Seven Serpents” is an absolute beast and refuses to compromise on heaviness. The album opens with a bang, showcasing the band’s raw energy that has stayed the same for over four decades. “Seven Serpents” is the ideal tone setter for “Krushers of the World”.

After such a powerful start, it was “Tränenpalast” that comes with an exciting twist. Hiraes singer Britta Görtz’s vocals blend seamlessly with Mille’s, creating a harmonious and captivating sound. Mille’s aggressive vocals and Görtz’s hoarse singing are the perfect combination. There is a certain ‘Phobia’-vibe runs through the song, subtly expressing Mille’s passion for horror movies. And there is “Satanic Anarchy”, another massive thrash metal anthem with a melodic chorus that immediately makes the song stand out.

“Krushers of the World” is the epitome of strength and energy, and each time you listen, it just gets better. The title track is a storm of sound, with a sinister spirit that will send shivers down your spine. This chorus is an invitation to join in the sing-along at live shows.

“Barbarian” unmistakably echoes the band’s earlier material, while the chorus delivers a captivating hook.

Kreator pushes the pedal hard, leading to up-tempo songs like “Blood of Our Blood”. “Combatants” is a triumph for Kreator’s signature sound, showcasing the band’s unparalleled grooving prowess. The album’s next highlight is the cinematic “Psychotic Imperator”, which features a haunting middle section with choral samples.

“Deathscream” is a return to the rabid aggression of “Krushers of the World”, with Mille’s blood-curdling scream at the beginning being a key moment. The chiming bell announces “Loyal to the Grave” with a sinister edge, signaling the finale of the album. The song features great arcs of melody and a pounding riff, marking a moderately paced finale with great leads and a superb flow.

The artwork reveals a few interesting things, in addition to the musical brilliance. Zbigniew Bielak, also known for his work for Ghost, created the artwork for “Krushers of the World”. This includes crosslinks to “Coma of Souls”, “Out of the Dark … Into the Light” and the “Pleasure to Kill” with its iconic font type.

“Krushers of the World” is unquestionably the next great album from Kreator. Mille and his bandmates pick up where they left off with “Hate über alles” and raise the bar to new heights. “Krushers of the World” is an aggressive and dynamic album that masterfully fuses the intensity of thrash metal with skillful songwriting. This album is undoubtedly a contender for Album of the Year, with only 16 days of 2026 gone.