With just three days until release, anticipation for KREATOR's sixteenth studio album "Krushers of the World" has reached a fever pitch among thrash metal devotees worldwide. Due January 16 via Nuclear Blast Records, the album was recorded at the renowned Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren, who previously helmed KREATOR's acclaimed "Phantom Antichrist" (2012) and "Gods of Violence" (2017). The album features striking cover art by acclaimed Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak, known for his iconic work with GHOST and WATAIN.
Four singles — "Seven Serpents," "Tränenpalast," "Satanic Anarchy," and the blistering title track — have already built massive momentum and offered a comprehensive preview of what promises to be one of the most ferocious thrash records of the year. "Tränenpalast," named after the Berlin border crossing checkpoint known as the "Palace of Tears," showcases the band's willingness to tackle historical and political subject matter with uncompromising intensity and lyrical depth.
Frontman Mille Petrozza, who has led KREATOR through four decades of Teutonic thrash dominance from the underground clubs of Essen to the biggest festival stages in the world, recently gave extensive interviews discussing the album's themes of societal upheaval and resistance. The ten-track record also features songs titled "Barbarian," "Psychotic Imperator," and "Loyal to the Grave," suggesting a characteristically aggressive and uncompromising collection. Petrozza's autobiography, which chronicles KREATOR's journey from the early tape-trading underground to global thrash royalty, is also due later this year.
KREATOR will promote the LP with a massive sixteen-country European headline tour alongside CARCASS, EXODUS, and NAILS starting March 20, followed by major North American festival appearances at Welcome to Rockville, Sonic Temple, and Maryland Deathfest. The combination of four legendary acts on one bill has already generated enormous excitement among fans of extreme music, with several dates selling out within mere days of their announcement.