What makes Flag of Hate by Kreator notable?

The EP helped establish Kreator as one of the leading bands in the German thrash metal movement, influencing countless future bands within the genre. It received positive reviews, particularly for its aggressive sound and lyrical themes, contributing to the band's rise in popularity during the mid-1980s. Released in early 1986, 'Flag of Hate' is a pivotal EP for Kreator, following their debut album 'Endless Pain' from 1985. This release solidified their position within the burgeoning thrash metal scene and showcased their evolution as songwriters and musicians.

Who is Flag of Hate for?

Flag of Hate works well if you're into intense energy for workouts, short bursts of aggression and headbanging anthems for parties.

How many songs are on Flag of Hate?

Flag of Hate has 6 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Flag of Hate

Kreator · 1986

27 min · 6 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless barrage of ferocious riffs and aggressive rhythms that embody the raw energy of thrash metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Flag of Hate — The title track combines fierce instrumentation with politically charged lyrics, exemplifying the band's signature style and thematic concerns.
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Take Their Lives — This track features complex rhythms and intense guitar work, showcasing Kreator's technical skill while addressing themes of violence and societal decay.
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Awakening of the Gods — Blending mythological references with thrash elements, this song stands out for its epic structure and lyrical depth, highlighting the band's creative ambitions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

This EP showcases strong songwriting and production that solidified Kreator's place in thrash metal.

What we noticed

The EP features six tracks, all of which maintain a fast tempo and aggressive guitar riffs throughout.
Each song is structured with rapid verses followed by explosive choruses, emphasizing the intensity of the music.
The lyrics often reflect themes of violence and existential dread, aligning with the genre's typical motifs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intense energy for workouts
short bursts of aggression
headbanging anthems for parties
cathartic release through chaos

Maybe skip if you

prefer mellow and calm sounds
seek longer, immersive tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This EP solidified Kreator's position in thrash metal and gained wider recognition.
Career context: Released in early 1986, 'Flag of Hate' is a pivotal EP for Kreator, following their debut album 'Endless Pain' from 1985. This release solidified their position within the burgeoning thrash metal scene and showcased their evolution as songwriters and musicians.
Stylistic neighbors: Sodom· Destruction· Overkill