32. Kreator - "Hate Über Alles"

By a country mile Kreator have been the outright winners in Thrash’s unlikely renaissance. Fifteen or so years ago they were getting by on nostalgia for their bit part in developing teutonic thrash. They were dabbling in numerous sounds in order to sustain themselves and to an outside eye, they looked creatively bankrupt. 

In 2022, they are a festival headlining and arena bothering monolith. They have achieved this by hunkering down on the relentless thrash sound that they initially made their name with. They haven’t compromised and instead tastes and trends have shifted to the point where Kreator’s uncompromising approach is now back in en-vogue. 

"Hate Über Alles" is pure unadulterated high-octane metal. Big, Bold, and buoyant. Highly produced but still heavy and driving, it hits that perfect spot for humungous anthemic sing-alongs. Every track is epic and engaging. Metal very much as mother used to make it. I know I like my challenging and my leftfield proponents, but this is straightforward balls to the well, route 101 metal, and it is glorious.