Interview With Kreator
Interview By Keith McDonald
After nearly 20 years and over 1000 concert performances, German thrash metal pioneers
KREATOR are readying to release their first ever-live album and DVD through SPV Records.
Recorded during their highly successful Violent Revolution tour, the live disc is not just
one, but several shows amassing a collection of killer metal tracks that fans worldwide
have waited patiently to hear on CD. The album, Live Kreation, collects 24 tracks of
KREATOR’s live shows recorded around the world. I recently had the opportunity to
speak with KREATOR founder, vocalist/guitarist Mille Petrozza on the live album, band and
future plans. You can check out the website at www.spvusa.com.
Why so long to release a live album?
We did not like the idea of hiring a mobile studio, record one show and that’s it.
In the past, if you fuck up, or something goes wrong, you have to live with a just o.k.
live recording, which kinda sucks We felt more comfortable with the situation nowadays,
where you can just take digital recording equipment on the road and record many shows...
How important is touring for a band like Kreator, considering you don't get much
commercial radioplay?
Very important! Even if we would get more radio I think it’s essential for a band
to play live for their audience!
How would you compare the German metal scene to other parts of the world including
North and South America?
South America has always been great; North America seems to have picked up again in the
last couple of years. In the mid-nineties, everyone was infected by trendiness, even
though there has always been a die-hard group of people. It’s hard to compare one
country to the other...I like playing everywhere!
How well does a label like SPV handle metal acts like Kreator?
They’re experienced...Most of the people that work there are metal fans
themselves, so that helps!
I see the live record is not just one show, but 22 show. Why was that and how did
you decide on which tracks made it?
Wrong! It’s only 6 shows that we’ve picked the songs from; we’ve
recorded 22 shows, though. We’ve picked the songs by checking the vibe and the
atmosphere of each individual song, which was very much work, but it paid off...
How do you explain your longevity when most bands don't last more than 5 years?
We love music!
What are your plans and where will it take you?
Another US visit is scheduled for October, then maybe South America. I think we should
start working on new stuff after that....
DVDs are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think that is?
I don’t know.... I’ve seen some pretty crappy music DVD`s before I started
working on mine.... But I know there’s also a lot of good ones out there....I guess
it depends on the quality, whether or not a DVD becomes popular. I still have my VCR...
What extras will we find on the DVD?
Tons of stuff! You’ll get two professionally shot concerts in 5.1 Sound; a
50-minute History including ALL video clips so far, some cool backstage shit, etc. The
most important bit was to make the whole thing entertaining and fun to watch. The DVD is a
tribute to the Kreator fans worldwide. You’ll see Kreator maniacs from all parts of
the planet!
Do you think the metal scene around the world has gotten stronger or weaker?
Definitely stronger! Metal fans don’t need trends or fashion! They created their
own universe!
It seems your genre of music has the most loyal fans while other genres have very
fickle fans?
Exactly! There’s no fancy bullshit in this; it’s about the music, the
integrity, and the lifestyle!
How long will Kreator go on?
Until the day we die!
What lies ahead for Kreator?
Touring some more... Work on a new album! We’ll take our time to make it strong!
Label Website: www.spvusa.com
Past Kreator Interviews In Metal-Rules.com
Kreator1, Kreator2,
Kreator3