There has been a significant change in the ranks since Kreator’s last album, 2017’s ‘Gods of Violence’, with the departure of bassist Christian Giesler in 2019 who had been there since 1995. However, founder members Ventnor (drums) and Mille Petrozza (vocals, guitar) now have 38 years behind them and guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö has been there for more than 20, so one would not expect there to be a dramatic change in approach. The new man is Frédéric Leclercq, who is probably best-known for Sinsaenum. Musically this is exactly what one would expect from one of the Teutonic Big Four, namely thrash which in this case does not appear to have changed at all in the last 20 or so years.

In some ways that is their charm but also their downfall as there are times on this album when they are very good indeed, crunching through and creating a mighty sound and others when it appears they are resting on their laurels somewhat. Their output has slowed considerably over time, with this being only their second album in the last 10 years, and only their fifth since 2001’s ‘Violent Revolution’. “Become Immortal” tells the story of the formation of the band and what has happened since then and is more than a little tongue in cheek and way too corny to be taken seriously. Some of the songs are more melodic, losing the intensity and thrashing power we have come to expect. A new album means they can get out on the road and tour again, which is where they really belong, and if you are hoping for a crunching masterpiece such as ‘Coma of Souls’ then while strong in places, this is just not in the same league.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.kreator-terrorzone.de/
https://www.nuclearblast.com/