I think Kreator have reached a point where they are either hated or worshipped, at least if you believe the comment sections on social media. On their latest album, they consistently continue the more modern and accessible direction of their last three releases. The sound feels noticeably more contemporary and mature. Krushers Of The World was once again produced by Jens Bogren at the Fascination Street Studios in Sweden, and you can clearly hear it: the album sounds massive, clear, and powerful without feeling sterile. The guitars are wide and crushing, the drums hit hard, and there’s still enough transparency to let the details breathe. Alongside their thrash metal foundations, the album features many epic moments with choirs, dramatic builds, and carefully placed contrasts. Kreator also experiment with very low tunings and once again include a guest vocalist, adding extra emotional depth and variety. This gives the record an almost cinematic feel at times. If you put the previously released singles aside, you’ll also find several old school influenced thrash metal bangers that prove Kreator haven’t forgotten their roots. For me, the album has no real weak moments, never gets boring, and manages to keep even open minded listeners fully engaged. Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with this record and I’m already looking forward to seeing these songs live in Essen.