Extreme Aggression

Extreme Aggression was the most controlled output from the German thrash titans at that time of its release. Gone is the perpetual drum assault of Pleasure to Kill or the frenetic pace of Terrible Certainty but those has been nicely traded-off for more restraint and tight execution. The production is also superior to their earlier attempts being more clear and more even in the mix. The greater clarity in the sound is suitable to the overall aim of a more reined in effort.
What is also missing here is the dashing burst of unfettered creative energy that filled to various degrees all the earlier albums. This is a feature that can be both welcomed and regretted. On the one hand, such frenzy can work well and create a monster (Behind the Mirror) but on the other it can result in half-baked mess that offers little other than blistering pace (Ripping Corpse).
Of course, Extreme Aggression should never be misunderstood for being anything less than top-notch thrash . The album is loaded with all the characteristic attributes of the genre staple , from deadly riffs to solid drumming. All songs have a great sense of structure building around a basic tune. The riffs are all simply awesome- mostly mid-paced and razor sharp, with interesting development and progression forming the perfect base for the music. Neat breaks and tempo changes are present all through too. Such a reined-in album has the added benefit of every song being a distinct piece from the other.
The drumming is excellent, very accurate and never missing a beat. It is, in fact, quite technical and creative but never dazzlingly so and that is how it ought to be because every song has a definite focus and development. Nonetheless, the drumming undoubtedly adds a new dimension to the songs and make them so much more enjoyable. The solos are good and on the more melodic side but they are never over-used. I generally do not care much for vocals but I find that Mille Petrozza's shrieks and venomous cries has a natural place in the music.

There is no point in song-by-song deconstruction but Betrayer and the closer Fatal Energy are my favorite, but not by any significant margin. In conclusion, this is an excellent thrash album and represents a style that Kreator would go on to perfect in their nexelease.