Kreator's work has been consistently in the vein of pure thrash, with the exception of four albums (Renewal, Cause for Conflict, Outcast and Endorama) during the 1990s when they undertook serious experimentation. Incorporating Industrial, Gothic and Avant-Garde elements into their sound, the results were uneven in some fans' and also critics' eyes. The band has since incorporated melodic death metal elements into their thrash sound, particularly that of the gothenburg scene.
Kreator formed as Tyrant in 1982 in Essen, Germany. The original lineup featured vocalist/guitarist Miland "Mille" Petrozza, drummer Jurgen 'Ventor' Reil, and bassist Rob Fioretti. They soon changed their name to Tormentor and released two demos. They changed the name of the band again to the final one, Kreator and signed to Noise Records in 1985. The name Kreator is not just a play on the English word "creator", it's also a name of a demon in the German mythology. Mille thought it was a cool name so the band settled with this new name instead of "Tormentor".
They recorded their debut album, Endless Pain, in just 10 days. Legions of black and death metal bands call it one of their major influences. The band hired the late Sodom guitarist Michael Wulf for the albums tour.
Wulf was in the band for a few days and didn't play on the band's next album, 1986's Pleasure to Kill, despite his getting credit. A new guitarist, Jörg "Tritze" Trzebiatowski joined the band and he played on this album, which is widely considered a thrash classic. Produced by Harris Johns (Helloween, Voivod), it is arguably one of the heaviest, fastest albums in metal, while showing the band growing in talent and technical ability. The song "Flag of Hate" became an early hit, and the band became one of the most promising up-and-coming European metal acts. With Tritze the band started their first tour ever (before the release of Pleasure to Kill they had only played 5 gigs total). The band closed out the year with the Flag of Hate EP.
In 1987 Kreator released Terrible Certainty, which is often considered to be Kreator's best album as the arrangements on the album were more complex and the tempos more varied. The album featured another hit "Behind The Mirror", and the band's popularity continued to grow. They managed to find enough time and money (coming from the concerts) to finance another EP Out of the Dark ... Into the Light.
In 1988 Kreator signed with major label Epic Records. Their debut with Epic, 1989's Extreme Aggression, recorded in Los Angeles, became a metal hit. Continuing the Terrible Certainty formula while showing the band still progressing musically and with better production by the well-regarded Randy Burns (also Megadeth among others), the album featured the band's first major singles and music videos, the title track and "Betrayer", becoming major hits on MTVs Headbangers Ball. They toured North America with Suicidal Tendencies, which greatly expanded their popularity outside of Europe.
In 1989 German director Thomas Schadt made a documentary about Kreator (focusing on the social aspect of heavy metal in the Ruhr Area) titled Thrash Altenessen (named after the band's hometown, a suburb of Essen). Tritze left Kreator after Extreme Aggression. In 1990, with new guitarist Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik (also formely of Sodom), the band released Coma of Souls. This album was not quite as praised as the bands previous few albums (many felt the album was "rushed" and repetitive), but still managed to do quite well, with "People of the Lie" becoming a hit. However, things changed in the 90's. With many other thrash bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and others changing their sound for a more commercial approach, Kreator began experimenting with death metal and industrial metal around this time.
The result was 1992s Renewal, which featured heavy death metal and industrial influences. While reaching a newer, more commercial audience, the band upset many longtime fans, accusing them of "selling out". The band, once known for being an excellent live act, had disappointing shows and tours for this album due to the industrial influences.
The excruciatingly taxing touring commitments that followed took the band as far as South America, but understandably left them physically and creatively exhausted. The band began to fall apart around this time, founding member Rob Fioretti left the band after the recording of the album as he wanted to spend more time with his family and was replaced by Andreas Herz, who never played any official release. In 1994 Reil left as well, leaving Petrozza the sole original bandmember. Reil was replaced by Joe Cangelosi. Herz left in 1995 and was replaced by Christian Giesler. To make matters worse, their contract with Epic was dropped. Now on G.U.N. Records the new lineup put out the album Cause for Conflict that year. The result was their most modern album at that time, the sound on this album had influences from Pantera and Machine Head, a slight return to a harsher sound than on the previous album.
Gosdzik and Cangelosi left in 1996 and were replaced by Tommy Vetterli (formerly of Coroner), and, surprisingly, Jurgen Reil. The band continued to experiment with their sound, releasing Outcast and Endorama, both of which experimented with goth and ambient influences, incorporated samples and loops and even found Petrozza trying a few different singing styles on for size. It also retained the groove metal influences. The record sales went down, by the end of the '90s the band reached both commercial and critical nadir. Though frontman Mille Petrozza never cared about this: "For us, success doesn't define in record sales. So all our albums have been successful for us, because we've achieved what we were aiming for...".
However, in 2001, with new guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö, the band released their "comeback" album Violent Revolution, which saw the band returning to their classic thrash style (albeit they used a lot of melodic metal and so called Gothenburg metal riffs). It was praised by fans and critics alike. The tour was extremely successful and introduced Kreator to a younger generation of metal fans. A live album Live Kreation and live DVD Live Kreation: Revisioned Glory were released in 2003, and a new studio album - still retaining a style closer to old school thrash metal - Enemy of God was released in 2005. This album also saw a special edition re-release in 2006 called Enemy of God: Revisited. In early 2006, Kreator toured North America and Canada with Napalm Death, A Perfect Murder, and Undying. In 2007 Kreator had a European tour with Celtic Frost and Waatan. Kreator were to tour 2008 with King Diamond, Leaves Eyes, and Cellador, however the tour has been cancelled due to back issues with King Diamond.
In July of 2008 Kreator entered the Titonus Studios in Germany with producer Moses Schneider to record their twelfth studio album: Hordes of Chaos. The record was mixed by Colin Richardson and released worldwide under Steamhammer Records on the 13th January 2009. The record has been described as their most organic album to date because, barring vocals, guitar solos and some melodies, the album was recorded in a live setting on analog tape recorder with very few overdubs. Frontman Mille Petrozza noted that this was the first time they have recorded an album this way since Pleasure to Kill in 1986.
The album was released in three different formats. The standard edition was issued in a jewel case and features the 10 album tracks. A deluxe edition features a bonus DVD with a making of the album documentary. The LP version of the album has different artwork to the other versions.
The album debuted at number 165 on The Billboard 200 chart in the US, with first week sales of approximately 2,800 copies.
The album was re-released as the 'Ultra Riot' box set edition in mid 2010. It featured new artwork, extended liner notes, promo videos, a bonus disc with demo tracks and cover songs and various pieces of memorabilia (such as a photobook, sticker, poster and photo card).
Kreator toured on the back of this album throughout 2010, and Mille has recently confirmed that 2011 will primarily be a song-writing year for the band.
Catholic Despot
Kreator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swine without compasion
No respect for others life
Godsent corrupt saint
Rampant, organized crime of the cross
Rituals justified ways to express
The oldest lie in support of the
Heartless motherfucker
Sympathy there's none
You immoralize prevention
Abortion is not a sin
Heaven none of you'll ever be saved
Awareness drown in devotion
Follow the rules
Dig your own grave
Murder under the cross
Profit ways don't leave no
Room for the scum
Open your eyes the messiah
Will never come (your fuckin' messiah)
You're killing the poor
There is no justice
There is no law
There's no messiah
There is no saviour, there is no god
The truth you teach it ain't
No truth to me
the things you see are not
The thing that I see
The song "Catholic Despot" by Kreator provides a scathing critique on the Catholic Church, particularly its leaders who are referred to as dictators and swine without compassion. The lyrics question the Church's supposed respect for life and portray it as corrupt and heartless. The Church's rituals and traditions are criticized as being used to justify heinous acts like murder and organized crime.
The lyrics suggest that the Church's teachings are not based on truth and that its leaders are more concerned with profit and power than helping the poor and less fortunate. The song calls for individuals to open their eyes and see the truth for themselves, rather than blindly following the rules and dogma of the Church. The final lines suggest that there is no justice or redemption to be found within the Church, and that individuals must seek their own path to enlightenment.
Line by Line Meaning
Catholic's dictator
The Catholic Church is behaving like a dictator.
Swine without compasion
The Church shows no compassion for people.
No respect for others life
The Church does not value human life.
Godsent corrupt saint
The Church's leaders are corrupt, despite being seen as saints.
Rampant, organized crime of the cross
The Church is engaging in organized crime in the name of the cross.
Rituals justified ways to express
The Church is justifying its harmful ways through its rituals.
The oldest lie in support of the
The Church is upholding the oldest lie in the world to further its agenda.
Heartless motherfucker
The Church and its leaders are heartless.
Sympathy there's none
The Church lacks any sympathy for others.
You immoralize prevention
The Church is making it immoral to prevent pregnancy.
Abortion is not a sin
The Church is wrong to condemn abortion as a sin.
Heaven none of you'll ever be saved
Nobody involved with the Church will ever achieve salvation.
Awareness drown in devotion
The Church is drowning people's awareness in their devotion to it.
Follow the rules
The Church expects blind obedience to its rules.
Dig your own grave
Following the Church's rules leads to destruction.
Murder under the cross
The Church is complicit in murder.
Profit ways don't leave no
The Church's pursuit of profit leaves no room for decency.
Room for the scum
The Church sees some people as less than human.
Open your eyes the messiah
People need to realize that the messiah the Church promises will never come.
Will never come (your fuckin' messiah)
The Church's promised messiah is a lie.
You're killing the poor
The Church is complicit in the deaths of poor people.
There is no justice
The Church does not provide justice.
There is no law
The Church does not follow the law.
There's no messiah
The Church's promised messiah is not real.
There is no saviour, there is no god
The Church's idea of a savior and a god is false.
The truth you teach it ain't
The Church's teachings are not true or valid.
No truth to me
The Church's teachings do not resonate with me.
the things you see are not
The Church's view of the world is not accurate or truthful.
The thing that I see
My own view of the world is different from the Church's.
Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
rod duane
For it's writeing1 Peter
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Chapter 3
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Note
Click to learn about Mrs. Noah.Who was Mrs. Noah? What was she like? Learn about this rarely mentioned, but important woman. Answer
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
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Jesus Christ fulfill 60% prophecy my bro!, HOly Father save this lost soul i pray in Jesus Holy Name aman!
jfpbman
damn, this album is very fucking underrated, the bass sounds brutal, the drumer...well. it´s not ventor, but he is insane too! after pleasure to kill, this is my favorite album
wiltzer1
one of the most underrated albums in history
Ænigma Xeno
I remember having an argument inspired by this song with my now ex. She was Irish and kind of Catholic (her family more so). We went from listening to my Kreator CD to having an actual argument. Fun times.
DIno Topčagić
There is no justice
There is no law
There's no messiah
There is no saviour, there is no god
The truth you teach it ain't
No truth to me
The things you see are not
The things that I see
rod duane
For it's writeing1 Peter
Back to previous chapterNext chapter
Bible Study HOME
Search…
Submit
Other translations of this chapter:
NASB / NKJV / ESV
Chapter 3
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Note
Click to learn about Mrs. Noah.Who was Mrs. Noah? What was she like? Learn about this rarely mentioned, but important woman. Answer
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Back to previous chapterNext chapter
Back | Next
Jesus Christ fulfill 60% prophecy my bro!, HOly Father save this lost soul i pray in Jesus Holy Name aman!
Rodrigo Ribeiro Freitas
fuckin' sick drum sound! the best kreator ever had!
Behemoth29
Not sure where all this talk of drum programming is coming from... there would be hundreds of extreme drummers that could easily play this. Awesome fucking song... this album recieves a lot of unjustified hate
César Martínez Vaquerizo
Yes, it's not Ventor, but seeing the result, it doesn't matter. And the bass sounds very good, pure metal in work. (sorry for my bad english but i think that the mesage it's understood)
MPetrozzaIsGod
@raskayuful i don't think many can play a lot of Kreator songs from this era. They had drum programming that went into the recording of these albums, I believe. But...I could see a lot of dead drummers in a pile trying to play this song, and it is one of my favorites. Kreator rules and always have. "Big Four"? PFFT! Here in the US, Kreator is big but I want nothing more than to see them at Wacken before I die....Damn, time is running out. I'm 38 but they are older than me! Mille is God
Animalosi
no drum program on this cd my friend..... i know ...i played this shit...