Kreator brought their relentless thrash metal assault to Chicago’s Ramova Theatre on May 20, 2026, proving old school thrash is alive and well. Supported by Carcass and Cold Steel, the evening showcased a wide range of heavy music, culminating in a headlining set that left fans exhausted and exhilarated.
Cold Steel opened the night with plenty of enthusiasm, but their set didn’t connect. While the band showed flashes of potential, the performance lacked the songs needed to ignite the room. Songs like “Blacksmith of Damnation” and “Wildfire” had their moments, but the set struggled to build momentum. The guitar squealing on every song got old and annoying.
Carcass, on the other hand, was exceptional. The British extreme metal legends delivered a masterclass in precision and power, sounding every bit as sharp and dangerous as they have throughout their career. Their mix of crushing riffs, technical musicianship, and dark melodies captivated the audience and earned one of the loudest reactions of the night. By the end of their set, many fans were already talking about Carcass as the evening’s standout performance. Led me to buy another Carcass shirt. Support the bands you love!
When Kreator took the stage, the atmosphere reached another level. Opening with “Seven Serpents” and “Hail to the Hordes,” the German thrash legends unleashed a nonstop barrage of classics and newer material. “Enemy of God,” “People of the Lie,” “Betrayer,” and “Hordes of Chaos” fueled massive pits, while “Violent Revolution” and “Pleasure to Kill” provided a ferocious finish. Mille Petrozza has been and will always be a metal legend and leader in the metal world. I have been following these German thrashers since 1986’s Pleasure to Kill, so every opportunity to see them live, I’ll be there!
Despite a forgettable opening set, Carcass and Kreator made this an unforgettable night of metal at the Ramova Theatre.
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