Kreator
Under The Guillotine

It has been 35 years for Kreator and they celebrate those under the guillotine, this Under the Guillotine release comes as an anthology over the Noise Records years on CD or vinyl, or as a big box with the six first albums on vinyl with lots of extra material new photos and stuff. I would say that both these impressive editions are great addition in the collector’s record shelf. Who wouldn’t want such releases from one of the most influential bands in the thrash metal genre?

It is classic thrash metal; it was original when it was release and it still has the feel of novelty despite the times passed. The new albums are more polished and probably better made in any regard, but they don’t have the same sense of aggression and rawness as these earlier albums had – this is something from a time when the band was young and revolutionised the German thrash metal scene. The anthology gives us the best and some rarer material to spice it up, the release also gives us some previously unpublished photos. It is an attractive release that is quite good value for money, the vinyl box with the first six albums on vinyl is probably less value for money and you should have some money to spend to get that one – it is for the real fans.

Under the Guillotine is a strong release in any of the guises it comes, you get great and classic thrash in very special editions worthy of an influential band that celebrates 35 years. There aren’t many weaknesses, and certainly none that would scare away the Kreator fan. Still, it should be mentioned that there are already compilations with the Noise Records material, I think they released something just a few years ago actually – that could be seen as somewhat moot. That it is nothing new could be seen as a negative argument, but as these are for those who collect the band it shouldn’t be.

I find this one interesting, and the collector of thrash or Kreator should not miss this one. It is a really good one, and the edition is quite desirable – the anthology is certainly worth its price. So, are you a fan of thrash or Kreator? If you answer yes to that question, you are also answering yes to the question if this one is worth getting.

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