German black/thrash metal veterans Desaster return with their new full-length Kill All Idols, a record that proves the band still reigns as one of the most relentless forces in extreme metal. With a legacy stretching back to the late ‘80s, Desaster has always blended the feral aggression of black metal with the sharp riffs of old-school thrash. This time, they’ve injected fresh venom into their formula, incorporating elements of death metal and doom to create a sound that’s both familiar and invigorating.
From the opening moments, Kill All Idols radiates chaotic energy and raw conviction. This is pure mayhem, but with subtle shifts that keep things unpredictable. According to guitarist Infernal, the band dug deeper into their punk roots on several tracks, and you can feel it in the brash immediacy of the riffs and the snarling attitude behind the performances.
The album’s production leans toward the raw, lo-fi aesthetic that’s long been a hallmark of the genre, yet it avoids sounding murky. Instead, it channels the gritty charm of early ‘90s underground metal. It’s raw, hostile, and full of character. Some listeners might find the guitars slightly more restrained compared to past releases, but the trade-off is clarity and punch in the overall mix.
Infernal’s guitar work remains vicious, alternating between razor-wire tremolos and storming thrash riffs. The rhythm section drives each track with a mix of punk urgency and blackened ferocity, while Sataniac’s vocals roar with unholy conviction, channeling equal parts venom and charisma.
As the title suggests, Kill All Idols is a defiant statement, a call to destroy false gods and societal dogmas. Lyrically and musically, the album thrives on blasphemous energy and anti-conformist fury, a natural continuation of the band’s legacy of rebellion and chaos.
Kill All Idols doesn’t reinvent Desaster’s formula but instead sharpens it. By weaving in traces of punk and doom while staying true to their roots, the band has delivered an album that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.
Score: 8.5/10 Ferocious, raw, and full of life. A worthy chapter in Desaster’s blackened legacy.
