Relentless Energy, Anthemic Heaviness and Atmospheric Experiments - A Review of Kreator's Hate über alles

German thrash metal pioneers Kreator are back with their fifteenth studio album that properly introduces skllled new bassist Frédéric Leclercq of DragonForce fame. The quartet from the Ruhr has now become an international star ensemble. The four gifted musicians sound particularly hungry and offer forty-six minutes of gripping entertainment on Hate über alles.

There are three categories of songs on this output. First and foremost, we have aggressive, fast and relentless thrash metal that doesn't take any prisoners and is guaranteed to tear your head off. Opening title track ''Hate über alles'' for instance convinces with pitiless rhythm section, fast guitar riffs and aggressive vocals leading to an anthemic chorus that should work splendidly in concert and has the potential to become a modern classic on the band's future setlists.

Up next, this release includes a few mid-paced melodic thrash metal tracks with dominant traditional heavy metal soundscapes. A great example would be ''Strongest of the Strong'' with a mid-paced rhythm section, melodic guitar play and vocals finding the perfect balance between energy and harmony. This song also includes a particularly catchy chorus that both fans of old date and potential new listeners should appreciate instantly.

Finally, this record includes a few more experimental songs with elaborate atmospheres going back to the band's experimental gothic and industrial efforts from the nineties without denying the group's charismatic heavy and thrash metal foundations. One such example is ''Midnight Sun'' that features additional vocals by alternative pop and new wave artist Sofia Portanet whose vocals are fluidly interwoven into the atmospheric, liberating and playful song.

At the end of the day, Kreator's Hate über alles sounds more diversified, focused and skillful than immediate predecessor Gods of Violence that had several ups and downs. This new album can't compete with the band's greatest cuts such as consistent, dynamic and imaginative Phantom Antichrist but could be described as very good heavy and thrash metal album in general and a record in the upper middle section of Kreator's high-quality discography. Faithful fans and adamant heavy and thrash metal fans should definitely check this album out right away while occasional listeners or new fans might want to give excellent compilation Maximum Hate a spin beforehand.

Final Rating: 83%