Kreator - Live Kreation (Bonus Dvd) (CD)

All Music Guide

This classy, limited-edition two-CD and DVD set not only serves to point out that English is Kreator's second language (Revisioned Glory, anyone?), but also offers a stunningly comprehensive 20-year retrospective for one of thrash metal's more compelling and influential acts. First and foremost is the double-disc audio live show, which stitches together 24 tracks recorded at various points during the German thrashers' ludicrously extensive 2001-2002 tour. It carefully spans the band's ten-album back catalog, from early speed metal freakouts ("Awakening of the Gods," "Tormentor") to classic, mature mid-period thrash ("Extreme Aggression," "People of the Lie") through the band's mid-'90s experimental period ("Lost," "Golden Age"), as well as a large chunk of 2001's return-to-form record, Violent Revolution, all recorded cleanly (maybe a bit too cleanly) and given a nice, hot mix by noted engineer Andy Sneap, who helps accentuate the formidable prowess of vocalist/guitarist Mille Petrozza...'s crew as a live act. The DVD compiles a 19-song live show (boasting a similar set list to the CD) mixed nicely in 5.1 Dolby digital sound and interspersed with candid and backstage footage, some of it in the band's native German tongue -- although it says something about Kreator's international success when subtitle tracks are available in seven different languages. Also included on the DVD is a pseudo-documentary about the band's history, which serves mainly to loosely string together the group's ten promo videos; those expecting a more thorough perusal of the band's legacy will be disappointed. (The DVD also boasts some typical bonus features, including a making-of-Live Kreation segment, a discography, and web links.) It's obvious that Live Kreation/Revisioned Glory was lovingly and meticulously assembled -- the packaging and booklet are excellent, chock-full of colorful photos and art; the live recordings sound inspired; the pro-shot video footage is consistently interesting and well-edited -- as a keepsake for die-hard fans, although it serves as a nice introduction to the band for newcomers as well. [Note: the double-CD set Live Kreation and DVD Revisioned Glory were also released separately.] - John Serba, All Music Guide Read more Less