Description

Kreator – Out Of The Dark – Compact Disc

Kreator’s Out of the Dark… Into the Light (1988) is a pivotal release in the band’s discography, showcasing their raw energy as one of the leading forces in thrash metal. The German band, known for their aggressive sound, technical prowess, and politically charged lyrics, released this EP as a mix of both live and studio material during a time when their popularity was soaring in the international metal scene.

The EP reflects Kreator’s signature thrash metal sound—fast, aggressive, and uncompromising. The music is characterized by speed-driven guitar riffs, relentless drumming, and Mille Petrozza’s distinctive snarling vocal delivery. Released between their albums Terrible Certainty (1987) and Extreme Aggression (1989), Out of the Dark… Into the Light captures Kreator during a transition where their music was becoming more technical and polished compared to their earlier, more raw recordings, without losing their intensity and political edge.

The EP includes both studio tracks and live recordings, giving listeners a glimpse of Kreator’s power both in the studio and on stage.

‘Impossible to Cure’: One of the standout studio tracks, this song features Kreator’s signature fast-paced riffs and a pummeling rhythm section. Lyrically, it deals with themes of societal breakdown and hopelessness, a hallmark of Petrozza’s writing.
‘Lambs to the Slaughter’: A cover of a song by Raven, this track reflects Kreator’s influences from early British heavy metal, adding their own ferocious twist with faster tempos and heavier guitars.
Live Tracks: The EP also includes live performances of songs like ‘Riot of Violence’ and ‘Terrible Certainty.’ These tracks capture the raw energy of Kreator’s live shows, with blistering speed and tight musicianship that demonstrates their dominance in the thrash scene.

As with much of Kreator’s work, the themes on Out of the Dark… Into the Light reflect their critical view of society, war, and politics. Their lyrics often tackle issues like government oppression, violence, and the futility of conflict. The track ‘Impossible to Cure’ delves into the collapse of societal norms and systems, painting a bleak picture of a world beyond repair. This nihilistic approach is common in thrash metal, where bands often critique the structures that uphold modern society.

Kreator’s guitar work, led by Mille Petrozza and Jörg ‘Tritze’ Trzebiatowski, is as aggressive as ever, featuring sharp, fast riffs and intricate solos. Their style combines the speed of thrash metal with the heaviness of early German metal pioneers.

Ventor (Jürgen Reil) on drums maintains the fast, tight, and complex rhythms that are essential to Kreator’s sound. His drumming is a driving force behind the band’s relentless energy, especially during the live tracks, where his performance adds an extra layer of intensity.

Petrozza’s vocals on this EP are aggressive, angry, and full of intensity. His snarling delivery is emblematic of thrash metal’s confrontational style, and he delivers the lyrics with a sense of urgency and conviction.

Kreator was a leading force in the Teutonic thrash metal movement, along with bands like Sodom and Destruction. This style is known for being even more aggressive and raw than American thrash metal, and Kreator’s Out of the Dark… Into the Light reflects this with its relentless speed and intensity.

Released between Terrible Certainty and Extreme Aggression, this EP served as a bridge between Kreator’s early raw sound and their more polished, technically proficient later work. It’s a snapshot of the band’s evolution, capturing both their roots and their potential for growth in the thrash metal scene.

Out of the Dark… Into the Light solidified Kreator’s position as one of the most important thrash metal bands of the late 80s. Their combination of political awareness, technical musicianship, and raw aggression influenced countless bands in the genre and beyond.

Kreator’s Out of the Dark… Into the Light (1988) is an essential release that showcases the band’s relentless energy and technical skill in both studio and live settings. The EP’s mix of new material, covers, and live performances gives fans a well-rounded view of Kreator at a pivotal moment in their career, as they were evolving from a raw thrash metal band into one of the most influential forces in the genre. With its aggressive riffs, pounding rhythms, and politically charged lyrics, Out of the Dark… Into the Light remains a significant part of Kreator’s legacy in thrash metal.

Out of the Dark … Into the Light is Kreator’s second EP released in 1988. The live tracks were recorded at Dynamo Club, Eindhoven, Netherlands in 1988.

Song List
1. Impossible To Cure
2. Lambs To The Slaughter
3. Terrible Certainty
4. Riot Of Violence
5. Awakening Of The Gods
6. Flag Of Hate – (live)
7. Love Us Or Hate Us (Live)
8. Behind The Mirror