The Teutonic thrash scene in Germany produced a distinctly brutal and crusty variation of the genre as opposed to their American cousins' more melodic approach. Kreator were the spearhead of this German movement and after releasing the pummelling 'pleasure to kill' in '86 to great acclaim and heavily influencing the start of the death metal movement they released this gem of an album. Terrible Certainty was an odd follow up album to their breakthrough hit with the production moving more along the black metal spectrum of music production resulting in a much harsher and grittier atmosphere. This is probably the main reason that this album is so under-appreciated, but while the production may have to some opinions regressed the riffage is spectacular and quite incomparable.
The sonic environment and emotional response elicited from Terrible Certainty are rather unique as at times the sense of melody is rather weird. Vitriolic, messy, unhinged and ruthless it's a like a serial killer after a few too many steins of lager. On songs like 'Toxic Trace' they tap into something new, the melody in the breakdown is by no means defined but it is particularly strong - if these tonal relationships even qualify as a melody in the traditional sense. To quote from an anonymous spectator after my crusty punk band debuted a new song at a house party recently "This is some next level shit man!". I love pretty much everything about this album, the ferocity, the haggard loose feel, the unbridled speed, the memorability and catchiness of every riff, it's all I could ask for in thrash album!
Tracklisting:
| 1 | Blind Faith (4:04) | |
| 2 | Storming With Menace (4:23) | |
| 3 | Terrible Certainty (4:26) | |
| 4 | As The World Burns (3:48) | |
| 5 | Toxic Trace (5:30) | |
| 6 | No Escape (4:58) | |
| 7 | One Of Us (3:59) | |
| 8 | Behind The Mirror (4:31) |
Download here: (Kreator - Terrible Certainty, V0)
