The cover art and the title both oblige Kreator to be brutal here, on their debut full-length album. And yes, that's what they deliver: Barbaric and raw, yet not overtly primitive Teutonic thrash metal. Going under several names since 1982 (only as Tormentor they recorded two demo tapes), Kreator had been honing their trade of terror for some time. And it can be heard.

Tormentor era speedy thrashings are still what 'Endless Pain' consists of, for a big part. While naming Mercyful Fate as one of their big influences, Kreator had quite different stuff to offer. It was still evil as hell, but far more faster. In USA, Slayer had created pretty similar thrash metal on their debut album 'Show no Mercy' in 1983. While Slayer has Satan grinning on their album cover, Kreator has early incarnation of Violent Mind trampling on his victim. Slayer also has a song called 'Tormentor', but that appeared not until the debut album. Kreator's countrymates Destruction and Sodom also had bestial releases out (former with debut album 'Infernal Overkill' and latter with 1984 EP 'In the Sign of Evil)'. In USA thrashers Possessed came close with their debut album 'Seven Churches'. Still, Kreator wins by sword's length, and in 1985 they sounded most bestial of all these bands on this album. That's my opinion at least.

The title track blasts immediately into vicious action. Mille's sharp main riff cuts to the bone and Ventor's drums are truly pounding them bones to dust with help from Rob's bass guitar. The guitar sounds rusty yet cutting when churn out those belligerent and nasty riffs, sometimes not unlike British Venom's or aforementioned Mercyful Fate's. Even the fastest of the riffs are played with fidelity and force, and they were too fast only to play 'em out by downpicking. Palm muted and open string playing take turns and bring in fluctuation. The performances here aren't so much technical as they are raw, though, what was later heard from Kreator. Guitar solos are insane finger-runs up and down fretboard, quite similar with Slayer, and with only some melodiousness to catch. Yeah, the band was a trio back in the day, so the absence of second guitar left this a tad tenuous at some points, but never overtly so.

The band had around six completed songs when signed by Noise Records, and after lightning-speed songwriting sessions, they had 10 (three songs come from Tormentor era, even though somewhat changed). It really cannot be heard, because the songs roll on well and are often made up with quite many parts. 'Storm of the Beast' slows down a bit at its beginning, reminding of Judas Priest with its NWOBHM riffs and double kick drumming. 'Son of Evil' contains clear Mercyful Fate influences in the riff department. 'Cry War' is partly a surprisingly slow piece with huge Celtic Frost vibes, and 'Living in Fear' hails to Venom. 'Dying Victims' has a bit more melodic, non-distorted start, which is kind of pointless. However, every song also have fast thrashing parts.

Vocals are split between Mille and Ventor. The former had more demonic, distorted bark. Mille didn't sound like he does later on, though. Here he is in more of a black metal mode, even though you'll hear his hissing "s". Insane, altogether! Ventor didn't use so much distortion, but rattle and rasp. He supplements Mille with his more bassy voice. His shrieky barks are mad as hell! Lyrics... Are nasty. "Feel the endless pain, locked in metal chains." That's into-the-point, if you ask me! Demons, war, terror...

Playing is not perfectly in time all the time, due to small mistakes; try 'Storm of the Beast's beginning for example of Ventor's faulty drumming. It doesn't ruin much, because that is how it was back in the day. No fucking Pro Tools! The production is rather clear and this remaster kicks ass, even though kick drums sound a bit pillowy. There's more or less reverb in instruments and vocals, making it kind of airy without losing its punishing touch. The artwork with its alien-ish colouring is unforgettable, fitting the music perfectly.

The second Tormentor demo 'End of the World' from 1984 is featured here as bonus. The demo's intro part, that synth/wolf howling/evil speaking nastiness, isn't here, though. Surely its production is far from the album's. Distorted, stretchy cassette transfer is still listenable.

Kreator came on here with all guns blazing! If you're looking for barbaric thrash metal classic (this reissue does not get a "classic" badge, though), you know what to do, then. Just don't wait for today's melodiousness or highly technical performances, even though they are intense for sure. This version is one for the completists, due to remastering and the bonus content. No thrash maniac can live without 'Endless Pain', 'Tormentor', Flag of Hate' or 'Total Death'!!! "Kreator of demons and monsters command!"

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
10/22/2015 17:20