In a candid new interview ahead of the January 16 release, KREATOR bassist Frédéric Leclercq has spoken enthusiastically about the making of "Krushers of the World," calling the album "amazing" and offering insight into the creative chemistry that drove the recording sessions. Leclercq, the French multi-instrumentalist who joined KREATOR in 2019 after a long tenure as lead guitarist of DRAGONFORCE, has become a key figure in the band's modern era and a creative foil for founding vocalist and guitarist Mille Petrozza.
"What's great with the band is we are still on the way up," Leclercq noted, a remarkable statement for a group approaching their fortieth anniversary. The bassist described the recording atmosphere at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden as intensely focused yet collaborative, with producer Jens Bogren pushing the band to deliver their strongest performances across all ten tracks.
The album features an ambitious and diverse track listing including "Seven Serpents," "Barbarian," "Psychotic Imperator," "Loyal to the Grave," and the melodically complex "Tränenpalast," each showcasing different facets of KREATOR's evolving sound. Leclercq emphasized that while the record honors the band's thrash metal roots, it also ventures into territory that will surprise longtime listeners — echoing Petrozza's own comments about refusing to be boxed into one-dimensional nostalgia.
The Frenchman's bass work on the album reportedly takes a more prominent role in the mix than previous records, adding a muscular low-end foundation that complements the razor-sharp guitar work of Petrozza and co-guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö. Drummer Jürgen "Ventor" Reil, KREATOR's only other remaining original member alongside Petrozza, delivers some of his most dynamic playing in years.
KREATOR's massive sixteen-country European headline tour with CARCASS, EXODUS, and NAILS begins March 20, followed by North American festival appearances at Welcome to Rockville, Sonic Temple, and Maryland Deathfest. Leclercq expressed particular excitement about the live shows, noting that the new material translates ferociously to the stage.