What makes Pleasure to Kill by Kreator notable?

Pleasure to Kill is often credited as one of the defining albums of the thrash metal genre, influencing countless bands and musicians. It received significant acclaim upon release, with notable mentions in publications like Kerrang! and Metal Forces, establishing Kreator as key players in the global metal community. Released in 1986, Pleasure to Kill was Kreator's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed work, Endless Pain. This album solidified their place within the German thrash metal scene and marked a pivotal moment in their career as they transitioned from emerging artists to influential figures in heavy music.

Who is Pleasure to Kill for?

Pleasure to Kill works well if you're into relentless aggression throughout album, steady pacing for focused listening and dark themes with intense energy.

How many songs are on Pleasure to Kill?

Pleasure to Kill has 9 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Pleasure to Kill

Kreator · 1986

37 min · 9 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless barrage of aggressive riffs and furious drums, embodying the raw energy of thrash metal's golden age.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ripping Corpse — This track showcases Kreator's signature speed and aggression, featuring intricate guitar work that sets a high standard for thrash metal riffing.
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Pleasure to Kill — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of violence and chaos through its fierce tempo and powerful lyrical content, making it an anthem of the genre.
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Under the Guillotine — Closing the album, this track delivers a relentless pace and haunting melodies that exemplify the band's ability to blend brutality with atmosphere.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

This album exemplifies thrash metal's raw energy and complexity, influencing many within the genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a haunting intro that sets a dark tone, followed by relentless fast-paced tracks that rarely drop below high tempo.
Each song features aggressive guitar riffs layered with rapid drumming, creating a dense wall of sound characteristic of thrash metal.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, shifting from frenetic sections to slower, heavier breakdowns, enhancing the intensity.
The lyrics often focus on themes of violence and despair, delivered with harsh vocal styles that match the aggressive instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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

relentless aggression throughout album
steady pacing for focused listening
dark themes with intense energy
short bursts of sonic intensity

Maybe skip if you

prefer softer, melodic sounds
seek long, immersive tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Kreator's reputation in thrash metal and gained wider recognition.
Career context: Released in 1986, Pleasure to Kill was Kreator's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed work, Endless Pain. This album solidified their place within the German thrash metal scene and marked a pivotal moment in their career as they transitioned from emerging artists to influential figures in heavy music.
Stylistic neighbors: Sodom· Destruction· Overkill