Kreator

Touted as a return to their true essence, 12th full-length effort Hordes Of Chaos finds German thrash metal stalwarts Kreator maintaining their superior output. Captured live in the studio, as opposed to the multi-tracking they have utilised since the mid-'80s, Hordes Of Chaos harkens back to the simplicity and purity of early efforts such as Endless Pain and Pleasure To Kill via a ravenous attack and bitter attitude that are enduring and at times, imposing. Hyperactive and abrasive throughout its ten tracks, the album may not feature some of the unforgettable anthems present on previous releases but when compelled by singer/guitarist Mille Petrozza's chant-along choruses and smooth shifts between upbeat verses and pummelling bridges, tracks such as "Amok Run," "Destroy What Destroys You" and the title track ensure that even after almost a quarter century of caustic metal, Kreator still reign supreme.