Kreator @ Metropolis , Perth(29/09/09)

Thu 1st Oct, 2009 in Gig Reviews

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Walking into Metro Freo at 9.00pm sharp, it was hard to determine if it was a mix cd or the sole opening act for German thrash legends, Kreator.

To much surprise it turned out to be the latter, Perth’s own thrash stalwarts Enforce, who had been dealt the old use-half-the-PA-at-half-the-volume-for-the-opening-band card.

Still this did little to deter them-or the audience-from having somewhat of a good time. Front man Guy Bell’s voice sounded slightly gruffer than normal, a nice addition to their death/thrash sound. Bassist Scott Bultitude-Paull showed off his great finger-plucking skills, matching the battering pace of drummer Troy Watson. Their tight performance and great light show earned a decent response from weary punters. Fans no doubt will be eagerly awaiting their new full length.

You could see why Kreator needed Metro Freo for their Perth show. Not for the capacity, but to utilise the stage services. Banners displaying the artwork from the blistering 2009 effort Hordes Of Chaos swayed gently as they took the stage under a wash of red lights and projector backdrop.

A brief wave to the crowd, an obligatory devil horn or two and they launched into the title track of the aforementioned release. Hordes Of Chaos really is an epic thrash track, and it was executed to album-like quality. Front-row punters joined in to the infectious fist pumping chorus, while the rest participated with an acknowledging nod.

The first song pretty much set the tone for the entire set. Kreator were undoubtedly captivating but after a few circle-pit calls from maniacal front man Mille Petrozza, full crowd participation was
never going to happen. Definitely a case of the grand final long weekend blues. Petrozza was adamant on making the last show of the hordes of chaos tour memorable, so apologies to him as the crowd was hardly on their A game.

Kreator’s set wasn’t as Petrozza said, “80 minutes of pain and torture”, rather a delectable offering of tasty thrash delights when accompanied with his classic song intros. “When I was interviewed by one of the newspapers, they asked if I really want people to kill themselves at my concerts I said no..” he mused. “you know what…I FUCKING LIED TO THE MOTHERFUCKERS!”

After solid barrage of ‘hits’ from either end of their career (the slow goth metal phase welcomingly ignored) Petrozza said good night.

Responding to the Kreator chants, Drummer Jurgen Reil emerged for a surprise drum solo. Jurgen showed all that he can do more than just hold down a good thrash beat with a flurry of stick tricks. The rest
of the band emerged for a final three song encore, Petrozza one last time beckoning the audience to participate, and they coaxed up enough energy to do so, finally.

Kreator is one of those great bands that spans generations, much like Metallica or Slayer. Judging by the youngsters in the audience, they will continue to do so as long as they see fit. We can all but hope.

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