Threefold live energy and one studio gem - A review of Kreator's For the Hordes

Kreator's For the Hordes is a short extended play that came along with the latest issue of German metal magazine Legacy to promote the quartet's upcoming live release London Apocalypticon - Live At The Roundhouse.

This release will feature three concerts and this extended play includes one song from each show. "Hordes of Chaos" convinces with its excellent mixture of aggressive riifs and melodic guitar play as well as its unchained vocal performance. "Fallen Brother" is a vibrant, experimental and creative homage to recently deceased rock and metal musicians and convinces with excellent crowd participation. "Flag of Hate" represents the band's relentless side and certainly tears heads off in concert. The three songs convince for different reasons and show the band's different facets in a way that gives the fans a good idea of the diveristy of the upcoming live release.

The final tune "Earth Under the Sword" is a Japanese bonus track from the last studio record Gods of Violence. Just as it was the case with "Iron Destiny", the Japanese bonus track from the brilliant Phantom Antichrist release, "Earth Under the Sword" would have deserved its righteous place on the regular studio album. The track is short, melodic and energetic and convinces with precise song writing despite slightly stereotypical lyrics. If you haven't heard the song yet, this closer alone justifies a purchase of this very good extended play.

Fans of old and new date can pick Kreator's For the Hordes up alike and if you are looking for more live material, the upcoming London Apocalypticon - Live At The Roundhouse should satisfy you in that regard.

Final Rating: 85%