Review by Rick Eaglestone for MPM
German thrash titans return with their latest album – the band describe Krushers of the World as a statement, and whilst in part I am inclined to agree although not only does the aesthetic splash this all over the artwork, but it sounds like it has been conjured from the bowels of hell
It goes to show how much of impact art really does make as there are nods to previous releases such as Coma of Souls, Out of the Dark… Into the Light & Pleasure to Kill which will no doubt have old school fans salivating before a note has been played.
There is a wave of atmosphere and sublime guitar work on opening track Seven Serpents which sounds divine on my Christmas present of a pair of heavy’s headphones – It’s early doors in the year but this may be one were thrash invades every avenue of my life as the there is an immediate vibe here that can’t be understated this is followed by the catchy as hell (pun intended) Satanic Anarchy which also contains pummelling drums patterns alongside with a chorus that really sticks with you even days after hearing it.
Title track Krushers of the World takes a more of slower yet sinister approach which works well and gives times for the musicianship to flourish in droves – festival highlight achieved.
Tränenpalast is flooded with the spirit of Dario Argento’s “Suspiria with a splash of added darkness as extreme metal vocal coach Britta Görtz (Hiraes) adds her own vicious tone to add an extra dynamic to the fold the undertones throughout this track really lean into the soundtrack style but not to be outdone Barbarian is a modern thrash masterpiece which literally contains every single element I love in this sub genre – it all just fits so well and has been the track I have come back to time and time again and I could write a paragraph in the solos alone. This is complimented wonderfully with Blood of our Blood which almost serves a time capsule of the band overall from early days to present day – this is where I agree where the album is a statement as it’s past, present, and future in musical form.
Combatants follows the albums seamless flow and although slower than the previous tracks the dominant basslines and salivating solos do little to damper the flame that was lit from the albums start – it would’ve been easy for Kreator to use the rinse and repeat formula but they’ve gone completely off their hinges constructing something so fresh and dynamic which will easily sit well with their audience both old & new and well, of you needed anymore convincing of this then I present to you Psychotic Imperator and it’s underlying orchestral elements under a sea of satanic majesty.
Penultimate offering Deathscream shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, no instrumental passages or interludes Kreator are here for windmills and souls the heavier backdrop of the Deathscream calls in a more guttural approach is a nice touch as it’s by now means overused and fits in with the bludgeoning outpouring.
The last track is a great choice for the albums closer Loyal To The Grave has touches of Maiden about it in places but again, when the band choose to take a more of atmospheric approach is seems to make it stand out more as it isn’t their go to but it’s a good thing to have at their disposal and if anything just goes to show what a band that were formed in 1982 can bring to the table in 2026 which is unassuming dominance.
Krushers of the World is hands down horror personified – every element feels fresh, the tones really match the aesthetic and well, if there is any lethargy left over from the festive period this has is the perfect antidote – wave upon wave of unrelenting feel-good heaviness.
Mille Petrozza commented:
“We are beyond excited to kick off the new year with the release of our brand-new album “KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD”, dropping 16th January 2026! But that’s not all! On 20th March, we’re hitting the road to bring you our biggest tour production ever. This will be a night of unrelenting metal mayhem, featuring our brothers-in-arms Carcass, Exodus, and the mighty Nails. This marks an exciting new chapter for the band, and we can’t wait for you to experience the new music live plus a selection of classic Kreator, old and new. Hail to the hordes!
Krushers of the World Tracklisting:
1. Seven Serpents
2. Satanic Anarchy
3. Krushers Of The World
4. Tränenpalast
5. Barbarian
6. Blood Of Our Blood
7. Combatants
8. Psychotic Imperator
9. Deathscream
10. Loyal To The Grave
Line-up:
Miland “Mille” Petrozza – vocals, guitars
Jürgen “Ventor” Reil – drums
Sami Yli-Sirniö – guitars
Frédéric Leclercq – bass
Spotify: https://nblast.de/KreatorSpotifyWorkout
Instagram: / kreatorofficial
TikTok: / kreatorband
Facebook: / kreatorofficial
X: / kreator
9.5/10
