Kreator

It's like this: Kreator are amazing. The German thrash band are on album 13 and they just get better and better. Back on album number ten, the band suddenly had a late game energy burst and they've been going strong ever since. Here, they get even better by streamlining a bit (nine songs in 45 minutes), and in doing so taking away all I could ever really complain about ― the long running time ― with their albums. Take a listen to the first two songs (the amazing title track, with a perfect thrash anthem chorus, and the deceptively melodic "Death to the World," which showcases unique guitar work and endless amounts of thrash metal rage) to understand why, and how, this Teutonic killing machine are the best thrash band of today. "From Flood Into Fire" plays up the anthemic angle with more success than this group have ever done (save the unforgettable "Violent Revolution") and when the words "total attack!" get belted out in "Civilization Collapse," before the tune goes double time, forget it. "The Few, the Proud, the Broken" takes Kreator's memorable thrash to new heights, along with some unexpected time changes and sudden left turns. "Until Our Paths Cross Again" closes a metal album off exactly how a metal album should: intense yet moving, showcasing the power of the riff to channel pure emotion. And speaking of riffs, no one goes harder, faster or with more ruthless efficiency than these guys. Their riffs are the epitome of thrash, and on this album they are at their peak. This is a total essential metal purchase. Life is good when albums like this are playing.