KREATOR & its ‘Legends Of Thrash’ tour is coming to the ‘Burgh, Monday November 4th, to headline the Altar Bar (Doors: 6PM, Tickets). The name of the tour somewhat gives it away as the group is widely considered a pioneer of thrash metal – part of metal’s “Big 3” (along with Destruction & Sodom), accredited with starting the EU scene back in 1982 – akin to North America’s ‘Big 4’ (Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth), but on the other side of the Atlantic. They are touring in support of last month’s live DVD/2CD release, “Dying Alive” (on top of their 13th studio album, “Phantom Antichrist,” which released last year). Twenty four ! cameras were used to capture this sold out, hometown performance (December 2012) – you can see live footage off the DVD of the song ‘Death To The World’ on YouTube here :http://youtu.be/VRs1WwLqSdA.
We caught up with Mille Petrozza, Front man and guitarist of Kreator, just before he and the band were due to head into Pittsburgh…
What do you attribute the longevity of the band to? We believe in what we do. And we love playing music for our fans. Very simple formula.
How did the ideas for the way that “Dying Alive” was filmed (such as 24 cameras) come about? We were on tour in Europe and it was among the most successful tours we`ve ever played. We wanted to preserve the magic for us and for our fans.
What are your favorite and least favorite things about touring America? I love the US, always have and always will. There is only positive thoughts about this tour, so no least favorite thing!
You are headed into China after the U.S. tour…any concerns when you go there? We went before the tour actually. China is an interesting place. The culture is opening up towards western music slowly but surely and people get hungry for metal nowadays. The fans there are great!
Why do you think South America is such a hotbed for metal? They love their metal there and they are very loyal to their bands. Can`t wait to go back!
“Phantom Antichrist” was such a huge hit and really resonated with metal fans, was that a surprise at all after so many years? We worked hard on that record and we put our hearts and souls into it. We hoped that the metal world would like it, but there is never a guarantee. So we are more than happy with how the response has been so far!
Your lyrics are never afraid to approach controversial topics, where do you find inspiration? Anything from books, movies, traveling and conversations with like-minded individuals. You have to keep your mind and ears open, that`s all.
Any memories of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Only good memories! We are looking forward to come and play for all the metal heads again. It will be a total massacre!