The Notes
Kreator is a product of Germany and caters to a thrash type of metal. The band has been releasing albums since 1985 with some good success, especially in overseas markets. The new album is very intense in nature and will easily compete with the best heavier metal acts on the market. The new music is a return to the aggressive sound developed early in the bands career mixed with some modern punch. The band should be able to give the thrash metal scene a good shot in the arm.
The Music
To say this album is very heavy is an understatement. This album totally slams and wastes no time getting started. 'Reconquering the throne' will give you a good throttle with it's energy. 'The Patriarch' is a great lead in to one of the albums great moments, 'Violent Revolution'. The title track is a grindfest with some smoothness that makes it one of my favorites. If the thrashier fast stuff is your bag, try out 'All of the same blood (unity)', and 'Replicas of life' with the latter starting on the lighter side before unleashing a sonic fury. Probably my overall favorite track is 'Slave Machinery'. Great drums get it started and then comes the classic chunking rhythms we all remember from the original thrash movement. Other notables include 'Servent in Heaven/King in Hell', 'Second awakening', 'Ghetto war', and 'Bitter sweet revenge'.
Overall
If you are a fan of fast music with a lot of edge, this is a cool release to have. It is set for a late September 2001 release followed by a co-headlining tour in November. I found this release consistent from track to track and a very welcome surprise. The scene continues to improve and it's artists like Kreator that are helping it out. Without good songwriting what else is there?? One of the cooler thrash releases of the year!
The Notes
Not Fragile is another German speed metal act. Gives you the idea that the Germans really like it heavy, eh?? This band has been around a very long time. As a matter of fact, the band started when the guys were just 13 years old. Not exactly a boy band though with the bands track record of dealing in intensity. Anyway, it has been many years with many releases. The newest release, '21st Century Ballroom' is their newest offering via Hellion Records. The band is very happy with the release and it marks the first time that an album was pure in creativity without outside interference.
The Music
Not Fragile delivers their high powered music in power metal form. Fast at times with a fair amount of melody. There is some serious double bass action on this release. 'Lost in the Rain' gives you some of the action from this. Getting a bit more gritty and staying fast is 'Into the Hurricane'. One thing I notice in hearing a lot of different bands from around the world is the authentic feel some of them display. Not Fragile is one of those. It's not just due to Torsten's accent, but the music has a feel of Germany in my opinion. Has that different vibe than other areas. 'Like Guardians' is a good example. Authentic sounding to me. This album is very consistent in tempo. Fast butt kicking stuff. Going from track to track you get the same feel, but different identity. Take 'Starlight to the Revolution' and then the next track 'Dreamflight'. Very similar in speed, but the edge is a bit different. Other notables include '21st Century Ballroom', 'We don't surrender', and 'Somebody's waiting'.
Overall
There is absolutely no doubt where Not Fragile feels comfortable in the metal spectrum. Playing very fast music with the German edge that is common amongst a slew of these bands. What is also great is when a band does indeed get their creative freedom. You get a more true feel of the band as a personality. This release will definitely smoke your speakers. You've been warned!
