Okay, so between us? I wasn’t really a fan of the last KREATOR album. Hate Über Alles had its moments, sure, but overall it didn’t hit with the same power as its predecessor, Gods of Violence. Not even close.
Now here we are in 2026, and the tectonic titans are back. And yeah — they’re back back, back indeed!
The new record, Krushers of the World (out now via Nuclear Blast Records), will envelop you like molten lava coming down the hill, bent on your destruction through fire and hot ash. Opener “Seven Serpents” wastes zero time and is guaranteed to jack you up right from the start.
“Satanic Anarchy” was an instant favorite for me. Picture Thor bringing the hammer down and you’ll get the idea. Mille Petrozza sounds absolutely alive here, and the energy is off the charts. Then the title track rolls in and does exactly what it promises.
“Tränenpalast” features a killer guest appearance from extreme metal vocal coach Britta Görtz of Hiraes and digs into the darker corners most people don’t talk about at parties (right, Col. Jessup?). From there, we get the high-speed assault of “Barbarian,” followed by “Blood of Our Blood,” my next favorite, with a sweeping chorus and rock-solid drumming from original member Ventor, still pounding the kit like he’s got something to prove.
“Combatants” and “Psychotic Imperator” spotlight Sami Yli-Sirniö’s lead guitar work, while bassist Frédéric Leclercq lays down low-end firepower that keeps everything charging forward.
“Deathscream” floors it like the band just tripped a silent alarm and needs to get out fast, and closing track “Loyal to the Grave” and it’s got a hook that’ll stick to your ribs like barbecue in Texas.
Once again, KREATOR delivers the goods. It may only be January, but this one has already cemented itself as one of my favorite records of 2026. Crank it up and see for yourself.
STANDOUT TRACKS: All of them
RATING: 10/10
—THE MAESTRO
