Kreator vs. Deicide – Which 2001 Album Do You Prefer?

By Crn Angel Sep 25, 2026 0

September 25th, 2001, gave metal fans two very different records from two very different corners of extreme metal.

On one side, Kreator – “Violent Revolution” a powerful return to thrash after the band experimental 1990s period. On the other, Deicide – “In Torment in Hell” an album that became one of the most controversial and infamous records in the band catalog.

Same day. Same year. Very different stories.

So, which one gets your vote?

Kreator – Violent Revolution

Released on September 25th, 2001, Violent Revolution became a major comeback moment for Kreator. After spending much of the 1990s exploring gothic rock, industrial and groove metal, Mille Petrozza wanted to return to the reason the band started in the first place: thrash metal.

And the opening track made the mission pretty obvious.

“Reconquering the Throne” wasn’t exactly a subtle message. Kreator were back and they wanted their throne.

Produced by Andy Sneap, the album gave Kreator a sharp, modern sound while keeping the aggression that made their classic material so important. It also introduced Finnish guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö, whose melodic playing added another dimension to the band attack.

The album artwork, created by Andreas Marschall, deliberately echoed the visual world of “Coma of Souls”. Metal fans even noticed that the infamous Kreature seemed to have returned with one very noticeable upgrade: a glowing exposed brain.

Then there is the wonderfully bizarre “Violent Revolution” video, featuring everything from a creepy toy monkey and people in gorilla suits to band members appearing as pieces of meat in a supermarket display.

Musically, fans embraced the record because it wasn’t simply a copy of 1980s Kreator. It combined furious Teutonic thrash with more melodic, anthemic guitar work.

And the title track became one of Kreator signature live songs.

For many fans, “Violent Revolution” felt like the band had finally found its way back home.

Deicide – In Torment in Hell

Released on exactly the same day, Deicide “In Torment in Hell” followed a very different path.

The album became infamous for its rushed creation and the band desire to fulfill its contractual obligations to Roadrunner Records. Rather than presenting itself as a triumphant new chapter, the record developed a reputation as a release made simply to get the job done.

That attitude became part of its legend.

Fans have long criticized the production, songwriting and overall performance, with Steve Asheim drumming in particular becoming a frequent target of discussion. The sound has even been compared to the infamous metallic snare character that Metallica would later be associated with on “St. Anger”.

Glen Benton vocals also received plenty of attention, with some listeners finding his unusual delivery on tracks such as “Vengeance Will Be Mine” almost deliberately strange.

The Hoffman brothers guitar work was another major point of criticism, with fans often describing the riffs and production as lacking the impact expected from Deicide.

Yet, like many heavily criticized metal albums “In Torment in Hell” has its defenders.

Some old-school death metal fans enjoy the raw grooves hidden underneath the muddy production, particularly on songs such as “Lurking Among Us” and “Christ Don’t Care”.

And at barely over 30 minutes, at least the album doesn’t overstay its welcome.