Kreator

Originally under the name Tormentor, Kreator was founded in a rehearsal room in Essen/Germany in 1983. Kreator originally featured Mille Petrozza (guitar/vocals), Rob Fioretti (bass) and Jurgen "Ventor" Reil (drums). Shortly after changing their name to Kreator they signed to German indie label 'Noise', and in 1985 their premier album Endless Pain was released. Despite being production challenged the album was well received by the fans of the fast growing thrash metal genre. Their second effort, adding Wulfon guitar, Pleasure To Kill (1986), saw their popularity in that genre secured by becoming one of the most popular acts of their type in Europe. They offered a distinctly European approach to the thrash metal that was filtering in from the USA. without ever actually challenging the US scene itself.

Flag Of Hate EP (1986), Terrible Certainty (1987) and the Out Of The Dark...Into The Light EP (1988) continued with the same force; the latter featuring Jorg Tritze joining on guitar.

Terrible Cerainty (1987), Extreme Aggression (1989) and Coma of Souls (1990) saw the last gasps of their take-no-prisoners approach. The former also saw Frank Blackfire (ex-Sodom) replace Jorg on guitar. 1992's Renewal saw a marked change in their style in an effort to compete with the splintering and hugely competitive Thrash genre; their lyrics, which traditionally have dealt with the darker aspects of life, would also evolve. Cause for Conflict (1995)was another attempt at a more Industrial grinding style. Its contribution to their resume was Christian Geisler joining on bass and Joe Cangelosi joining on drums, replacing Fioretti and "Ventor" respectively.

Scenarios of Violence (1996) saw them return after a four-year hiatus. It was clear by now, however, that their creative inspirations had passed them, and the following year's Outcast (1997) attempted a Sepultura-style sound that still managed to fail. Outcast also saw Kreator jump labels to 'Gun' and see Tommy Vetterli (ex-Coroner) replace Frank Gosdzik. Another label jump, this time to 'Drakkar', got Endorama released in 1999. Endorama saw a new interest of sorts in the band as they drifted back toward their original style. The follow-up compilation Voices of Transgression (1999) would try to capitalize on this, while Violent Revolution (2001) would continue with this formula on the 'SPV' label, and see Sami Yli-Sirino join on guitars. Enemy of God (2003) and Hordes of Chaos (2009) would follow.

Kreator signed with 'Nuclear Blast' in early 2010. Soon after, they would embark on a North American tour that March to celebrate their 25th anniversary. On 1 June 2012, Phantom Antichrist would arrive, followed by Gods of Violence (2017).