Description

Kreator – Coma Of Souls – Compact Disc

Kreator’s Coma of Souls, released in 1990, is a defining album in the German thrash metal band’s career and a classic within the thrash genre. Building on the technical precision of Extreme Aggression, Coma of Souls showcases Kreator’s mastery of aggressive yet melodic songwriting, blending speed, intensity, and complex structures with a refined, accessible approach. This album was released during a transitional period in metal, as thrash reached new heights of popularity, and Kreator’s fifth studio album solidified their place as one of the genre’s most formidable acts.

Coma of Souls strikes a balance between ferocious thrash and melodic elements, with each track featuring intricate guitar work, memorable riffs, and intense lyrics. Mille Petrozza’s fierce vocal delivery is sharper than ever, backed by the tight, dynamic interplay between him and guitarist Frank ‘Blackfire’ Gosdzik, who had recently joined the band from Sodom. Blackfire’s addition contributed a new melodic dimension to Kreator’s sound, with the two guitarists complementing each other through harmonized leads, complex solos, and razor-sharp riffs. The album also sees drummer Jürgen ‘Ventor’ Reil delivering one of his most powerful performances, anchoring the band’s sound with precision and relentless speed.

Thematically, Coma of Souls continues Petrozza’s exploration of dark, introspective, and socially critical themes. Lyrics touch on issues like war, environmental destruction, human corruption, and existential disillusionment, giving the album a sense of urgency and relevance that resonated deeply with fans. The album’s themes reflect both societal and personal crises, emphasizing a bleak outlook that was ahead of its time in thrash.

Notable Tracks

‘When the Sun Burns Red’ – Opening the album with a powerful mix of thrash aggression and melody, this track addresses environmental destruction and the looming threat of ecological disaster. Its intricate riffing and Petrozza’s intense vocal delivery make it one of the most memorable tracks on the album.

‘Coma of Souls’ – The title track delivers a relentless, anthemic riff and high-speed energy, exploring themes of apathy and the feeling of being disconnected from society. The chorus is particularly powerful, underscoring the album’s central themes of alienation and frustration.

‘People of the Lie’ – One of the album’s standout songs, “People of the Lie” is both a musical and lyrical high point. Its mid-tempo, groove-laden structure and haunting lyrics critique hypocrisy and societal corruption, becoming one of Kreator’s most recognizable and enduring tracks.

‘World Beyond’ – This track is one of the album’s fastest and most aggressive, capturing the pure speed of thrash with complex guitar work and fierce intensity. The lyrics confront the horrors of war, maintaining the album’s sense of dark realism.

‘Terror Zone’ – A longer, more complex song with a somber atmosphere, ‘Terror Zone’ addresses the internal struggle of facing an overwhelming world. The track builds tension with melodic sections and dark, introspective lyrics, showcasing Kreator’s ability to incorporate dynamic shifts within their music.

‘Twisted Urges’ – A furious track about inner turmoil and uncontrollable impulses, “Twisted Urges” features aggressive guitar riffs and powerful drumming, emphasizing the intensity and precision that characterize the album.

‘Agents of Brutality’ – This track serves as a scathing critique of authoritarianism, with dark, fast-paced riffs and an intense vocal performance by Petrozza. The song’s fast tempo and biting lyrics make it one of the album’s heaviest moments.

Coma of Souls was produced by Randy Burns, who also worked on Extreme Aggression. The album’s production enhances its tightness and clarity, allowing the technicality of the riffs and solos to shine through while preserving the aggression and heaviness. The production is crisp, yet retains an edge that complements the album’s darker themes and intricate guitar work. The polished sound quality reflects the band’s evolution, bridging the raw intensity of their earlier work with a more refined approach that still hits hard.

Coma of Souls was met with widespread acclaim from both fans and critics, cementing Kreator’s status as one of the leading bands in thrash metal. While the 1990s brought challenges for thrash as grunge and alternative gained popularity, Coma of Souls remained a touchstone for fans and a testament to the genre’s power. It is celebrated for its technical sophistication, memorable songwriting, and enduring themes, making it a landmark release in Kreator’s discography and the thrash genre as a whole.

Tracks like “People of the Lie” and “Coma of Souls” remain staples in Kreator’s live shows, and the album has influenced countless bands within thrash, death metal, and beyond. With Coma of Souls, Kreator achieved a balanced and sophisticated thrash sound that stands as one of the defining moments of their career and continues to be celebrated as a classic in heavy metal.

Track Listing

1. When The Sun Burns Red
2. Coma Of Souls
3. People Of The Lie
4. World Beyond
5. Terror Zone
6. Agents Of Brutality
7. Material World Paranoia
8. Twisted Urges
9. Hidden Dictator
10. Mental Slavery