What makes Hordes of Chaos by Kreator notable?

'Hordes of Chaos' received critical acclaim, solidifying its place in the thrash metal canon and reaching number 24 on the German charts. The album is notable for its unflinching commentary on political and social issues, resonating with both fans and critics alike, leading to its recognition as one of Kreator's standout releases in their discography. By the time 'Hordes of Chaos' was released in 2009, Kreator had already established themselves as a prominent force in thrash metal since their formation in 1982. This album marked a significant return to form following their previous release 'Enemy of God' in 2005, showcasing a renewed energy and commitment to their classic sound while embracing contemporary production techniques.

Who is Hordes of Chaos for?

Hordes of Chaos works well if you're into steady adrenaline-fueled intensity, politically charged listening experience and short bursts of aggression.

How many songs are on Hordes of Chaos?

Hordes of Chaos has 14 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Hordes of Chaos

Kreator · 2009

38 min · 14 tracks · thrash metal

Relentless thrash riffs collide with aggressive vocals, delivering a fierce critique of modern societal chaos.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Hordes of Chaos (A Necrologue for the Elite) — The title track sets the tone for the album, combining blistering speed with poignant lyrics that critique societal structures, making it an anthem for resistance.
→
Warcurse — This track features relentless guitar work and an infectious chorus that encapsulates the album's raw energy and themes of conflict.
→
Destroy What Destroys You — This song stands out for its aggressive tempo and thought-provoking lyrics, urging listeners to confront destructive forces head-on.

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

The album showcases strong thrash elements with intense vocals and cohesive songwriting, making it a notable entry in Kreator's discography.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a relentless pace with aggressive tempos and heavy guitar riffs, creating a cohesive sound that drives the album forward.
Vocals are delivered in a harsh, growling style that matches the intensity of the instrumentation, emphasizing the lyrical themes of chaos and resistance.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Radical Resistance,' which shifts from fast-paced sections to slower, more melodic interludes.
The album's final track, 'Demon Prince,' concludes with a fade-out that leaves a lingering sense of tension rather than resolution.

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 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady adrenaline-fueled intensity
politically charged listening experience
short bursts of aggression
unyielding energy throughout
for workout motivation

Maybe skip if you

prefer softer musical styles
seek lengthy pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Solidified Kreator's place in thrash metal with critical acclaim and strong themes.
Career context: By the time 'Hordes of Chaos' was released in 2009, Kreator had already established themselves as a prominent force in thrash metal since their formation in 1982. This album marked a significant return to form following their previous release 'Enemy of God' in 2005, showcasing a renewed energy and commitment to their classic sound while embracing contemporary production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Sodom· Destruction· Overkill