Kreator @ Electric Ballroom, London 16 February 2005

One of the constants in the metal world since the thrash heyday of the 1980's has been the mighty Kreator. Their recorded output has always been of a high standard, and their reputation as a devastating live act has been well known for a many a year. With the brilliant new album "Enemy of God" in the shops, tonight was their opportunity to show London their chops.

Before the legends arrived on stage, another set of legends being the mighty Dark Tranquility had the job of getting the audience going. I had seen them in December of last year and was impressed then, I was even more so now. The sheer professionalism they display live is fantastic, the songs are slick, riffy and heavy. Again we were treated to some classic hits as well as a taste of the band's new album, "Character", which combines everything Dark Tranquility have stood for over the years into a concise machine of beautiful noise.

When Kreator exploded onto the stage, straight away this was going to be something special. Beginning with the title track from "Enemy of God", Mille Petrozza and Co wasted no time turning the aggression level up to to ten and beyond. No fancy light show, no pyrotechnics, just a brutal thrash metal attack. The band showcased several songs from the new album as well as delving deliciously into their vast back catalogue. Some of the gems played included "Renewal", "Violent Revolution", "Phobia", "Extreme Aggression", and "Pleasure to Kill" among others. All songs were delivered with furious riffing, powerhouse drumming and Mille's trademark vocal style, spitting out the lyrics as if they were poison. Predictably and gloriously the encore contained the legendary anthem "Betrayer" but the show closer tonight was quite fittingly "Flag of Hate", with the entire Electric Ballroom shouting along with Mille and the lads. Easily my pick for the gig of 2005 thus far, by a long shot!

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