Kratos

There's no denying US Kratos one and only private EP is a fairly coveted collector item, but weather it's also a forgotten Metal pearl or "just another overrated rarity" seem to divide the Collector Elite. I personally was on the fence until I finally got the chance & means to add it to my collection and after many a rounds on my turntable this weekend I am thoroughly on the Marry- AND Fuck-base of the marry/fuck/kill-triangle.

Raw & primitive are the main, overall descriptors to be used here and that sets them apart from the majority of classic US Metal bands and albums of the period. The legacy of ye olde NWOBHM is STRONG - stronger than most contemporary US competitors I'd say. The title track opener is crammed full of Jaguar/Savage proto-Speed, just like Metallica used to cram it out 3-4 years earlier ...or if you prefer an even more nitpicky band-comparisons: 1st Blood Money all the way! The fact that this song clocks in under 2 minutes and still doesn't feel stumped says a lot (actually, not a single song is crossing the 3-minute mark on this mini but when listening to Kratos you start wondering why any band would ever bothering going any further to prove their point). Displaying their diversity, the heavy and grinding "Armageddon" follows and I swear there's a moment in there that'll remind you of both Pentagram and Pagan Altar at the bloody same time(!) Sometimes it's my favourite track of theirs.

Raw & primitive are the main... Oops, already wrote that but doGdamned those guitars and B-side opener "Chainsaw" in particular is complete & utter MAYHEM! Sure, more Motörhead than the actual band, but the sheer wall of noise we're presented with here is a piece of pure art/filth and listening to the closer "Save Their Souls" you will know for a fact that these Cleveland lads must have been die-hard (pun intended) Venom-fans as well. Except for the vocals. Frankly they're remarkably restrained and timid for a band of this violent caliber, but personally I find this contradiction exciting. Some might call them amateurish but in my book that's a compliment and this contradiction makes the sound of the whole EP even more unique.

As often is the case we need to close with some comments on the sleeve artwork. It's moments like these that I wished I still had some corro'-shirts left in stock, because I would gladly send one to anyone who could explain to me in detail exactly what kind of technique was being used here?. Sure, it will top most collectors' list of Kültiest Metal Sleeves Evah', but my mind is still in disarray as to the questions of how?/What??/WHY??

On a final hype & namedropping note, The Corroseum algorithm thinks fans of Kratos might also enjoy Devil Childe, Black Task and Raw Energy.

A classic with high-pitched vocals, tons of sizzling guitars and great songs.