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Mille Petrozza, frontman of Essen thrash metal legends Kreator, has revealed a previously unknown episode from the early days of his career in an interview with the "Heavy Stories" podcast: He was offered a spot in Celtic Frost – the Swiss band widely considered a pioneer of extreme metal who influenced generations of musicians.
But Petrozza declined. Rather than joining an already established band, he pursued his own vision – and that vision was Kreator. A decision that would shape the history of German thrash metal forever. Kreator rose to become one of the "Big Four" of Teutonic Thrash alongside Sodom, Destruction, and Tankard, becoming one of Germany's most successful metal exports worldwide.
In hindsight, this anecdote shows just how determined Petrozza was from the start. While Celtic Frost are undoubtedly legendary, the metal world without Kreator would be a much poorer place. Albums like "Pleasure to Kill," "Coma of Souls," and most recently "Hate Über Alles" have defined and evolved the sound of thrash metal – all with roots deep in the Ruhr area.
If you want to see Kreator live, the perfect opportunity is coming soon: On April 4, 2026, Petrozza and co. return for a homecoming show at Grugahalle Essen – alongside Bay Area thrash legends Exodus. A must-attend date for every metal fan in the region.
