Kreator - Coma Of Souls (1990)

Formed in Essen, Germany, in 1984, under the name Tormentor, this thrash metal band originally comprised Milan ‘Mille’ Petrozza (guitar/vocals), Rob Fioretti (bass) and Jürgen ‘Ventor’ Reil (drums). Their vicious thrash style was inspired by the filth and industrial pollution problem that Essen, on the River Ruhr, was experiencing.

 After changing their name to Kreator, they signed with the German-based Noise Records label, and their debut album, Endless Pain, appeared in 1985. Despite roughshod production, it was eagerly purchased by fans of the then fast-growing thrash metal scene. After Pleasure To Kill, featuring additional guitarist Jorg Tritze, Kreator grew to become one of the most popular bands of the genre, especially in Europe. Lyrically, they have always dealt with the dark side of life, a theme encapsulated in their slogan, ‘Flag Of Hate’.

The band refused to waver from their established musical path during the late 80s, endearing them to fans who helped to maintain Kreator’s place in the crowded and highly competitive field of thrash and death metal. Guitarist Frank ‘Blackfire’ Gosdzik, once with fellow German thrash metallers Sodom, made his debut on the Out Of The Dark... Into The Light EP. The line-up finally imploded, however, after the release of 1992’s industrial-styled Renewal, which alienated many of their traditional fans. Reil and Fioretti both left, and the line-up which signed a new contract with Gun Records featured Christian Geisler (bass) and Joe Cangelosi (drums; ex-Whiplash).

 The disappointingly retro Cause For Conflict was released in 1995. Outcast and Endorama, both featuring ex-Coroner guitarist Tommy Vetterli and original drummer Reil, slowed down the band’s traditional thrash approach to create moody, atmospheric soundscape. Vetterli was replaced by Sami Yli-Sirinö on 2001’s Violent Revolution, which marked a welcome return to the band’s old sound.

N 0158-1

-Tracklist:

Side A:
1. When the Sun Burns Red     05:31    
2. Coma of Souls     04:19
3. People of the Lie     03:16    
4. World Beyond     02:03    
5. Terror Zone     05:57    

Side B:
6. Agents of Brutality     05:17    
7. Material World Paranoia     05:01
8. Twisted Urges     02:47
9. Hidden Dictator     04:50    
10. Mental Slavery     05:44

-Line up:

Ventor: Drums
Rob: Bass
Mille: Vocals, Guitars, Lyrics
Frank: Guitars.

Label: Noise Records.

Recorded at Eldorado and Image Recording Studios.
Mixed at Music Grinder, July / August '90, Hollywood, CA.

 Producer by Randy Burns. 
Artwork by Andreas Marschall.