Once again the godfathers of Teutonic Thrash Metal bring us
yet another beautiful onslaught of bone crushing blasts. Having been on the
world’s stage for nearly 30 years, Kreator certainly haven’t mellowed – even in
their mid period of experimentation they have stayed true to their agenda of
making the miseries of modern life into some of the greatest Metal ever
conceived.
Phantom Antichrist is Kreator’s 13th studio album
and follow up to the misanthropic awesomeness that was 2009’s Hordes of Chaos.
Opening this gem is the beautiful Iron Maiden-esque instrumental: “Mars
Mantra,” then the chaos is unleashed with the violent title track. What made
this album stand out for me was the sheer diversity of the openings which
include a set of tribal war drums and high pitched tremolo picking. I found
such an approach spine tingling as it reminded me of the experimental days when
Kreator used Gothic and Industrial influences on releases such as “Outcast” and
“Cause for Conflict.” But this time, the thrash fathers have pulled out all the
stops to give us some of the most technical thrash metal I’ve heard in years.
The agenda of the album remains true to its roots. Topics
covered include the oppressive omnipresence of organised religion in “United in
Hate;” apocalyptic visions of the future: “Civilisation Collapse;” but most
importantly – a truly Germanic anti-fascist anthem of “The Few, The Proud, The
Broken.” A perfect combination of Punk Rock style politics with traditional
metallic nihilism and delusion.
The songs are anthemic and capable of blowing your mind
enough times to give your walls a “hint of brain” redecoration (thank you Lord
Flasheart). With summer brewing, this is certainly a release you will hear
blasted from speakers at every festival, picnic, barbecue or whatever drunken
gathering you’ll embrace in the time you’ve got to spare. Kreator earned their
place as the idol of European thrash metal and they certainly haven’t been
lagging behind on the job these past few years.
Rating: 4/5
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