Achtung, metalheads! Brace yourselves for Kreator's "Endless Pain," the sonic blitzkrieg that launched a Teutonic thrash metal invasion. This ain't no oompah band, folks. This is pure aggression forged in the fiery furnace of the Ruhr Valley. Petrozza's voice is a guttural growl from the depths of your nightmares, the guitars are razor-sharp, and the drums pound like a Panzer division on the attack. So crack open a pilsner, crank up the volume, and prepare to be bludgeoned by this unholy racket!
In the bleak industrial heart of Germany, 1985, a raw, untamed beast emerged from the Ruhr Valley's concrete jungle. Its name was Kreator, and their debut album "Endless Pain" wasn't just music, it was a primal scream against a world teetering on the brink of nuclear annihilation.
This wasn't the polished, commercial thrash of the Bay Area. Kreator, with their unhinged energy and Mille Petrozza's venomous rasp, were the soundtrack to a Cold War nightmare. The album's production, while rough around the edges, only amplified its urgency. Recorded in Berlin's Musiclab Studio, the sound was as raw and uncompromising as the band's message.
"Endless Pain" was a relentless assault of speed, aggression, and apocalyptic imagery. Songs like "Tormentor" and "Flag of Hate" were not just anthems, they were war cries. Petrozza's lyrics, filled with graphic violence and social commentary, were a reflection of the band's environment – a divided nation living under the shadow of the Iron Curtain. The album's ferocity and intensity set it apart from its peers, establishing a unique sonic signature that would become synonymous with Teutonic thrash.
The album was not without controversy. The song "Flag of Hate," with its provocative lyrics and imagery, led to accusations of right-wing extremism. Kreator vehemently denied these claims, insisting the song was a condemnation of hate and violence, not an endorsement. This controversy, however, only served to fuel the band's notoriety and solidify their image as rebellious outsiders.
Despite the controversy, "Endless Pain" found its audience. It resonated with a generation of disenfranchised youth who saw in Kreator a reflection of their own anger and frustration. The album's raw power and uncompromising message established Kreator as one of the leading forces in the burgeoning thrash metal scene. Fans were drawn to its raw energy and the unapologetic aggression that permeated every track.
While some critics found the production to be lacking, its unpolished nature only added to its charm. It was a testament to the band's DIY ethic and their commitment to capturing their raw, unadulterated sound. This rawness, combined with the album's relentless energy, resonated deeply with thrash metal fans who craved authenticity and intensity.
"Endless Pain," while perhaps not as refined as later Kreator albums, remains a beloved and influential record within the thrash metal community. Its raw power, uncompromising message, and controversial nature have cemented its place in metal history. It's a testament to the power of music to channel anger and frustration into something cathartic and a reminder that sometimes, the most enduring art comes from the most chaotic of circumstances.
Collector Notes:
Dead Wax reads "Mastered by SNB" |
Music Genre: Speed Thrash Metal Music |
Album production information: Executive Producer - Karl-Ulrich Walterbach Karl-Ulrich Walterbach: German music producer who transformed the heavy metal scene. Founder of the iconic Noise Records, he launched the careers of Helloween, Celtic Frost, and countless others.
Walterbach's Career Description
Production, Sound engineer - Harris Johns Harris Johns is a prominent European music producer renowned for his contributions to the heavy metal and punk genres. With a career spanning several decades, he has worked with numerous iconic bands, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Born in the late 1950s, Harris Johns developed a passion for music at an early age and pursued his dreams with unwavering determination. In the late 1970s, Harris Johns emerged as a key figure in the burgeoning heavy metal and punk scene. His unique talent and distinctive approach to music production quickly caught the attention of many prominent bands. With a desire to create powerful and impactful soundscapes, he became known for his ability to capture the raw energy and intensity of these genres. Throughout his career, Harris Johns has collaborated with a plethora of big-name bands, solidifying his reputation as a go-to producer. His notable works include projects with Helloween, Coroner, Tankard, Sodom, Voivod, Kreator, Exumer, Ratos de Porão, Slime, Daily Terror, and many others. Each album he worked on showcased his exceptional skill in sculpting the sonic landscapes that defined the heavy metal and punk movements. For over a decade, Harris Johns operated his studio, Music Lab Berlin Studio, which served as the creative hub for many of his productions. In an effort to further his artistic vision, he established Spiderhouse, a recording facility situated in a former guest house in the countryside near Berlin. For ten years, Spiderhouse became a sanctuary where he could channel his creativity and bring forth groundbreaking music. In 2007, Harris Johns made the decision to reopen the Music Lab Berlin, reestablishing it as a prime destination for bands seeking his expertise in music production. The studio became a hub of creativity and collaboration, attracting both established acts and up-and-coming artists. However, in 2016, Harris Johns decided to step away from the studio, concluding a significant chapter in his illustrious career. Despite stepping back from the day-to-day operations of Music Lab Berlin, Harris Johns continues to contribute to the music industry. He remains active as a producer and dedicates his time to teaching music production skills. His wealth of knowledge and experience has made him an invaluable resource for aspiring producers and musicians, as he imparts his expertise and nurtures the next generation of talent. As we reflect upon the 1980s, it becomes evident that Harris Johns' discography during this era stands as a testament to his immense talent. Some of the notable albums he worked on include groundbreaking releases such as:
These albums showcase Harris Johns' ability to capture the essence and intensity of the heavy metal and punk genres, earning him a place in music history. Harris Johns' impact on the heavy metal and punk scenes cannot be understated. His talent, dedication, and distinctive approach to music production have left an indelible mark on the industry. As he continues to produce and educate, Harris Johns remains a respected and influential figure, shaping the future of music for generations to come. Album Artwork - Phil Lawvere Phil Lawvere is an acclaimed designer and illustrator known for his iconic contributions to the world of metal album art. Learn more about Phil Lawvere Photography - Fred Baumgart Fred Baumgart photographed since the mid-1980's several German Heavy Metal bands, including: Warrant , Ballantinez , Kreator , Rage , Deathrow , Voivod , Tankard .
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Record Label & Catalognr: Noise N0025 |
Album Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details and photo of Kreator. |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone |
Year & Country: 1985 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Kreator Endless Pain |
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Complete Track Listing of: Kreator Endless Pain |
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NOISN0025 Record Label Details
Hailing from the industrial heart of Germany, Kreator is a sonic battering ram, a Teutonic thrash metal institution that has been bludgeoning eardrums and inciting mosh pits since the mid-80s. Their music is a relentless assault of speed, aggression, and apocalyptic imagery, fueled by Mille Petrozza's venomous rasp and a razor-sharp rhythm section. If you crave breakneck riffs, thunderous drums, and lyrics that tackle social injustice and political turmoil, then Kreator is your sonic weapon of choice. Prepare to be annihilated.
Nuclear Blast – NB 3155-1 , 2013 , Austria
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Dying Alive ( Ltd Ed, Yellow Vinyl )Noise N0025 , 1985 , Europe
This wasn't the polished, commercial thrash of the Bay Area. Kreator, with their unhinged energy and Mille Petrozza's venomous rasp, were the soundtrack to a Cold War nightmare. The album's production, while rough around the edges, only amplified its urgency. Recorded in Berlin's Musiclab Studio,
Endless Pain 12" Vinyl LPNoise International – N 0129-1 , 1989 , Germany
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Extreme Aggression 12" Vinyl LPNoise N 0047 , 1986 , Germany
Kreator's 1986 "Flag of Hate" 12" vinyl LP, a pinnacle of German thrash metal, holds historical significance. The album, with its iconic cover, features three intense tracks, including the exclusive "Awakening of the Gods" on Side B. Recorded at Musiclab Studios in Berlin
Flag of Hate 12" Vinyl LPCombat Noise 88561-8125 , 1986 , USA
"Flag of Hate" was released in 1986 as a 12" vinyl LP album in the United States. The album features six tracks, including the title track, "Flag of Hate," which was previously released as a single in 1985. The album was produced by Harris Johns, a well-known producer in the thrash metal scene
Flag of Hate (USA) 12" Vinyl LPNoise International N 0118-4 , 1988 , Germany
Kreator's "Out of the Dark... Into the Light" 12" Vinyl LP, born in May 1988 at Musiclab Berlin, unveils a thrash metal odyssey. Side A's studio tracks reflect meticulous artistry, while Side B captures the band's live brilliance at "Dynamo" Eindhoven.
Out of the Dark 12" Vinyl LPNOISE N 0037 , 1986 , Germany
Kreator is a German thrash metal band that emerged during the 1980s. The band members on "Pleasure to Kill" were Roberto "Rob" Fioretti on bass, Miland "Mille" Petrozza on vocals and guitar, and Jürgen 'Ventor' Reil on drums. These talented musicians brought together their combined musical prowess
Pleasure to Kill 12" Vinyl LPNoise International N 0086 , 1987 , Germany
"Terrible Certainty" by KREATOR, the 1987 thrash metal masterpiece, emerged from the hallowed halls of Hannover's Horus Studio. Produced by Roy Rowland, the album's sonic onslaught, marked by lightning-fast riffs and Mille Petrozza's visceral vocals, solidified KREATOR's global metal dominance.
Terrible Certainty 12" Vinyl LP