Violence Unleashed

Violence Unleashed is a 2016 EP by the German thrash metal pioneers Kreator, released as a promotional supplement and a bridge between their major studio efforts. The EP is notable for its inclusion of the track 'Wolfchild,' which originally appeared on the 'Dark Roots of Earth' tribute, and a cover of Iron Maiden's 'The Number of the Beast.' The latter is a standout, as it showcases Kreator's ability to pay homage to their NWOBHM influences while maintaining the aggressive 'Teutonic' thrash sound they helped define in the 1980s. The second half of the EP features live recordings of fan favorites like 'Phobia' and 'Violent Revolution,' which highlight the band's transition from raw underground thrash to a more sophisticated, melodic, yet still punishing stadium-metal act. Critically, the EP serves as a testament to the band's enduring consistency and their status as the leaders of the German 'Big Four.'