KREATOR Pleasure to Kill Thrash Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information #vinylrecords

Album Description:

In the world of thrash metal, Kreator's album "Pleasure to Kill" stands as a seminal work that showcases the band's relentless aggression and unrelenting pursuit of sonic brutality. Released in 1986, this album was produced by Harris Johns and published by Maldoror Musik Verlag. The album cover design, created by Phil Lawyere, features a striking image of a devil standing atop a mountain of skulls, fiercely combating attacking skeletons. Despite its undeniable musical excellence, "Pleasure to Kill" stirred controversy due to its lyrical content and graphic album artwork.

The Band:
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 to create an album that pushed the boundaries of aggression and intensity within the thrash metal genre.

Musical Brilliance:
"Pleasure to Kill" is often regarded as one of Kreator's finest albums, showcasing their mastery of intense riffing, rapid-fire drumming, and Petrozza's signature growls. The album delivers a relentless assault on the senses, combining blistering guitar solos, thunderous drum beats, and aggressive vocals that epitomize the fury and darkness of thrash metal. Tracks like "Ripping Corpse", "Death Is Your Saviour", and the title track "Pleasure to Kill" exemplify the band's ability to create a sonic landscape that is both savage and technically impressive.

Controversies:
Despite its musical brilliance, "Pleasure to Kill" garnered controversy for its lyrical content and graphic album artwork. The album explores themes of death, violence, and the dark side of human nature, which some critics argued glorified and celebrated these themes rather than simply addressing them. The lyrics are unabashedly macabre and paint a bleak picture of a world consumed by destruction and despair. Kreator's intent was to provoke and challenge societal norms, but this provocative approach drew both admiration and criticism from fans and critics alike.

The album cover design, featuring a devil atop a mountain of skulls, engaging in a battle with attacking skeletons, further added to the controversy surrounding "Pleasure to Kill". The imagery was seen as disturbing and offensive by some, while others perceived it as a visual representation of the album's dark and aggressive themes. Nonetheless, the album cover stood as a testament to Kreator's unapologetic embrace of extreme imagery and their determination to push the boundaries of acceptable artistic expression.

Legacy and Influence:
"Pleasure to Kill" solidified Kreator's position as one of the pioneering forces in the thrash metal genre. The album's intense and uncompromising sound set a benchmark for future thrash metal bands, influencing countless musicians in the years that followed. Kreator's commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring dark themes has made "Pleasure to Kill" an enduring and influential piece of heavy metal history.

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal / DBeckereath Metal

Album Production Information:

The album: "KREATOR - Pleasure to Kill " was produced by: Harris Johns , Published by Maldoror Musik Verlag

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.

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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 cover design: Phil Lawyere, which shows a devil, who stands on a skull mountain and destroys some attacking skeletons

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

Record Label & Catalognr:

NOISE N 0037

Packaging: This album "KREATOR - Pleasure to Kill " includes the original custom inner sleeve with artwork/photos

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year and Country:

1986 Made in Germany

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KREATOR - Pleasure to Kill

Roberto "Rob" Fioretti - Bass
Miland "Mille" Petrozza - Vocals, Guitar
Jürgen 'Ventor' Reil - Drums

Complete Track-listing of the album "KREATOR - Pleasure to Kill "

The detailed tracklist of this record "KREATOR - Pleasure to Kill " is:

Choir of the Damned
Ripping Corpse
Death is Your Saviour
Pleasure to Kill
Riot of Violence

The Pestilence
Carrion
Command of the Blade
Under the Guillotine

High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "KREATOR - Pleasure to Kill "

High Resolution Photo #10 kreator pleasure to kill

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).