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.
Phantom Antichrist
Kreator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ending the ever forming bliss
Two appear, a horror in the wilds
A fear that concentrates upon the eyes
Force of total violence, total death
Lies, a pure feeling of the west
To start the calibration of the childs
The cancellation revelation's sluts
Phantom's calling, across the land
Leaving trails of blood and sand
And this torture, and misery
Souls are awake enough to see
Far beyond the lies
Phantom antichrist
Phantom antichrist
Archers are the forever slain
The three became hopelessly enslaved
The inheritance of a thousand words
Four take the blessing of the sword
The traitors form, they will never yield
Pain becomes thunder, righteous leave
They are anxious for the fallen paradise
The kingdom of the phantom antichrist
Phantom's calling, across the land
Leaving trails of blood and sand
And this torture, and misery
Souls are awake enough to see
Far beyond the lies
Phantom antichrist
Phantom antichrist
Terror will prevail
Terror from the left, terror from the right
Oppression is the root to our great suicide
Overthrowing gods, overthrowing all
Exchanging of the stimulated mind contagion
Feeding off the woes, from human misery
Genocide, genocide, war doesn't cease
The shadow of his wings is falling on his limbs
Every other color, turning into black
Savior's calling, across the land
A new beginning, that has no end
An open mind of forceful will
Don't start laughing, feel the kill
Soul of love and light
Phantom antichrist
Phantom antichrist
Phantom antichrist
The lyrics of Kreator's song Phantom Antichrist seem to suggest a dystopian future in which an enemy is ascending, bringing an end to the "ever forming bliss". This enemy brings fear and horror to the wilds, with a force of total violence and death. The lyrics reference lies, pure feelings of the west and the calibration of the children, suggesting manipulation and brainwashing of younger generations.
The Phantom is calling across the land, leaving trails of blood and sand behind. The lyrics suggest that despite the torture and misery, souls are awake enough to see beyond the lies. However, there is still a prevalence of terror, with oppression at the root of our great suicide. The lyrics suggest the overthrowing of gods and an exchange of the stimulated mind contagion, feeding off human misery with war and genocide continuing ceaselessly. The shadow of the Phantom's wings is falling on his limbs, and every other color is turning into black, creating a bleak picture of the future.
However, there is still hope for a new beginning with a soul of love and light. The savior is calling across the land, with an open mind of forceful will. The lyrics suggest that we should not start laughing and should instead feel the kill, implying that action is necessary to overcome the Phantom Antichrist and bring about a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Ascending from an enemy appears
An enemy is on the rise
Ending the ever forming bliss
The joyous times are coming to an end
Two appear, a horror in the wilds
Two frightening creatures emerge from the wilderness
A fear that concentrates upon the eyes
A fear that fixates on the eyes of the beholder
Force of total violence, total death
The inevitable destruction caused by extreme violence
Lies, a pure feeling of the west
Dishonesty and deceit are hallmarks of the Western world
To start the calibration of the childs
To begin the indoctrination of children
The cancellation revelation's sluts
Those who ignore the truth will suffer the consequences
Phantom's calling, across the land
An unknown force is beckoning across the entire region
Leaving trails of blood and sand
Its violent path is marked with blood and sand
And this torture, and misery
Its presence causes great suffering
Souls are awake enough to see
People are becoming aware of its influence
Far beyond the lies
This is something different than the lies they're used to
Phantom antichrist
The mysterious force is a symbol of evil
Archers are the forever slain
The archers have suffered a permanent death
The three became hopelessly enslaved
Three people were captured and unable to resist
The inheritance of a thousand words
The wisdom of the past continues to influence the present
Four take the blessing of the sword
Four people have gained power through taking up arms
The traitors form, they will never yield
Those who have betrayed their allies are determined to keep fighting
Pain becomes thunder, righteous leave
The pain is so great it's like thunder, and those who were once righteous are no longer
They are anxious for the fallen paradise
They wish for something better than the current state of things
The kingdom of the phantom antichrist
The evil force has taken on a kingdom-like presence
Terror will prevail
Fear and violence will win over everything else
Terror from the left, terror from the right
Terror comes from all directions
Oppression is the root to our great suicide
The mistreatment of people is leading to our downfall
Overthrowing gods, overthrowing all
Even the divine are being brought down
Exchanging of the stimulated mind contagion
The exchange of ideas is spreading a dangerous influence
Feeding off the woes, from human misery
Their power comes from the suffering of others
Genocide, genocide, war doesn't cease
War and genocide keep on going
The shadow of his wings is falling on his limbs
The darkness is spreading and taking over
Every other color, turning into black
All the diversity is being replaced by sameness and darkness
Savior's calling, across the land
A force of good is also present and calling out to people
A new beginning, that has no end
A fresh start that will last forever
An open mind of forceful will
A willingness to embrace new ideas and take action
Don't start laughing, feel the kill
Don't underestimate the power of this force
Soul of love and light
The goodness is a symbol of love and light
Phantom antichrist
The force of evil must be defeated
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JUERGEN REIL, MILAND PETROZZA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@pablov6903
Lyrics:
Ascending from the enemy abyss
Ending decadent diabolic bliss
Into a pit of horror it arrives
Fear becomes the flame upon the ice
Ghosts under the violent sun of death
Lives are cured of greed and emptiness
Berserkers start a blood-chain of attacks
Against religion and all nations' flags
A phantom scouring across the land
Leaving trails of blood and sand
End this torture and misery
For souls awake enough to see
Far beyond the lies
Phantom Antichrist
Phantom Antichrist
Artisans of someone else's faith
The free became the hopelessly enslaved
The inheritance of a darkened world
For a kingdom lost under the sword
The brave may fall but they never yield
Wake the conquerors from the righteous sleep
From the ashes of this plundered paradise
A king is born, a phantom Antichrist
A phantom scouring across the land
Leaving trails of blood and sand
End this torture and misery
For souls are awake enough to see
Far beyond the lies
Phantom Antichrist
Phantom Antichrist
Terror will prevail
Terror from the left
Terror from the right
Depression is the root to our dreams suicide
Behold the god of gods overthrow it all
Extinction of this inhumane mind contagion
Fulfilling all the vows from human history
Democide, genocide war atrocities
The shadows of his wings absorbing every glint
Every earthly color turning into black
A saviour scouring across the land
A new beginning that has no end
An open mind a forceful will
Numbs the lurking fear that killed
The soul of love and life
[Guitar solo]
Phantom Antichrist
Phantom Antichrist
Phantom Antichrist
@tripsixentertainment9603
Almost like the Antichrist👑👑 first hearing it😂🤣
This song seriously means business 😳🤯😳😜💯
A lot of truth in the lyrics, I'm impressed they don't spew out the same old, broken record, Christian & Catholic gangs believe 😂🤣
The Christian & Catholic gangs with their precious Jesus?
Have less than zero hope right now, unless the Antichrist 👑👑 sets up & serves them hope on a Silver Platter 😂🤣
DUH bestest only way, everyone else has cooties & deserves to burn in Hell for eternity, eh?
Ignorant idiots, have ALWAYS waited for the exact same ANYONE ELSE as almost everyone else,
Yeah, DUH bestest at willingly leaving everyone they say they care about to certain doom,
Unless the Antichrist 👑👑 practically does everything for them too 😳🤯😳
Take a look at the world...
Jesus & all his gang members get bullied on the playground called Earth more daily,
Their rock solid, suoer genius, master plan...
"Uh, it's TOO hard, might as well just QUIT QUIT QUIT! OH PLEEEEEASE GOD ALMIGHTY! Just kill ME ME ME & take ME ME ME away overnight ASAP to Paradise only in the after life! Get ME ME ME off this nasty planet ASAP! I QUIT QUIT QUIT everyone & everything! It's ANYONE ELSE'S mess to clean up! Amen "
Yeppers, when I grow up, I want to be JUST like Jesus...
Tell all my people I CAN'T do it & JUST die on them, after telling them,
Just beg on your knees, worship only ME ME ME, just wait for ANYONE ELSE, some day, somewhere, some how, PLEASE! Daddy loves ME ME ME!"
Oh, the great Hey-Zeus is 1 of my favorite stand up comedians, of all time 😂🤣
@davidjimenez3527
Have you noticed that (as unbelievable as it sounds) these guys are getting even better with the time? I mean the old stuff is historic and awesome, but i can see and hear a progress in their music. They did not got stuck into the already great stuff but instead they keep on trying new sounds and ways to do a song. How awesome is Kreator.
@zanthony1286
Talented musicians- other bands sound all alike but Kreator differs significantly.
@tvastardev463
so true, most bands sounds same and do not have that thing in their song that make me listen to them again and again.
@epicogrelord4417
No credit to Overkill? Ironbound and the electric age are just as good.
@MrsAntofiorini
Yes ! I agree !! Also the "new" guitarplayer Sami Yli-Sirniö brought a lot of amazing solos and melodies. He does a lot on Kreator´s guitar arrangements. Petrozza got better technique too :)
@supesrebirth152
Yes I have to agree that these overkill albums are good but I think that they are starting to become repetitive now :/
@pablov6903
Lyrics:
Ascending from the enemy abyss
Ending decadent diabolic bliss
Into a pit of horror it arrives
Fear becomes the flame upon the ice
Ghosts under the violent sun of death
Lives are cured of greed and emptiness
Berserkers start a blood-chain of attacks
Against religion and all nations' flags
A phantom scouring across the land
Leaving trails of blood and sand
End this torture and misery
For souls awake enough to see
Far beyond the lies
Phantom Antichrist
Phantom Antichrist
Artisans of someone else's faith
The free became the hopelessly enslaved
The inheritance of a darkened world
For a kingdom lost under the sword
The brave may fall but they never yield
Wake the conquerors from the righteous sleep
From the ashes of this plundered paradise
A king is born, a phantom Antichrist
A phantom scouring across the land
Leaving trails of blood and sand
End this torture and misery
For souls are awake enough to see
Far beyond the lies
Phantom Antichrist
Phantom Antichrist
Terror will prevail
Terror from the left
Terror from the right
Depression is the root to our dreams suicide
Behold the god of gods overthrow it all
Extinction of this inhumane mind contagion
Fulfilling all the vows from human history
Democide, genocide war atrocities
The shadows of his wings absorbing every glint
Every earthly color turning into black
A saviour scouring across the land
A new beginning that has no end
An open mind a forceful will
Numbs the lurking fear that killed
The soul of love and life
[Guitar solo]
Phantom Antichrist
Phantom Antichrist
Phantom Antichrist
@A7xeno
I am more of a rock guy who listens to Led Zeppelin, Queen, Elvis but is also familiar with death/black metal and all the other genres of metal and I literally have only one word for this: INSANE!!
That's literally it, just absolutely fucking insane. Never heard anything as aggressive/fast as this. Like my fucking gosh my head exploded literally. And absolutely no regrets at all.
@The_Vo1d
Правильно и делаешь, что слушаешь такую музыку. Рок и металл лучше, чем попса с рэпом
@The_Vo1d
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