Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Kreator Hordes of Chaos Company: SPV Release: 2009 Genre: Thrash Rating: 4 Reviewer: Raising Iron

Relevant and invigorating to the scene

2009 finds Kreator setting the bar early and quite high with their twelfth studio effort, Hordes of Chaos. Hard to believe it's been 4 years (almost to the day!) since the release of the stellar Enemy of God, and while this is indubitably Kreator, there is a notable progression from that last effort.

Here, we find things a little more settled, and purposefully so, than the vitriol from the previous effort. The melodies are just as insistent upon carrying the songs as the riffs, and Mille's cackled bark is a bit more melodic as well. The album opens with an instantly memorable guitar line, diving into the title track which is sure to be a live staple for a long time to come, and the pace is set for the quick 38 minutes this disc comprises. Highlights include "War Curse" and "Destroy What Destroys You", which are speedy riffsters. "Amok Run", opening quaintly and balladic, moves into a slow and crushing chord progression before the key element of a high, melodic guitar carries the song into its accelerated riffage. The biggest surprise though would have to be "To the Afterborn", with its throwback NWOBHM-esque chorus and again, catchy as hell guitar harmonies found throughout. This song moves right into the short and clean instrumental, "Corpses of Liberty", setting up the final track, "Demon Prince", which starts with a deceiving power metal feel before finding thrash goodness.

But, the production here is a little too thin, as there's not enough presence from the guitars, and even Mille's vocals sound stilted. Still, this is quintessential Kreator, and there's plenty for the longtime fan to enjoy. With a thrash renaissance going on right now, one of the founders and kings of the movement continue to be relevant and invigorating to the scene.