Violent Revolution

Thrash veterans, Kreator, have been going longer than anyone can care to remember, but despite a cult following in Germany and a brief spell of moderate success during the late ’80s, have made little impact of late. Violent Revolution is their twelfth release and pretty much sees the act return to their thrash roots and away from the industrial feel of their previous two outings.

This time, with Andy Sneap at the production helm, the German four piece’s old school gallop has taken on a more contemporary feel. With production credits for Machine Head, Stuck Mojo, Skinlab and Nevermore under his belt, Sneap adds considerable poundage throughout this record. The guitars are upfront and full of bottom end, while the excellent double bass work of Jurgen ‘Ventor’ Reil cuts through the mix with clinical precision. However, not even Sneap can prevent old, tired influences creeping in.

Still, don’t expect to hear any massive hits on ‘ Violent Revolution’. Kreator are firmly entrenched in the world of ’80s metal, where tight jeans, black leather biker jackets and huge white trainers still rule and, judging by this release, seem very content to remain there. This is one act that is not ready to jump on the ‘nu-metal’ bandwagon.