In a recent interview with Kahler Guitar And Bass Bridges, KREATOR’s Miland “Mille” Petrozza reflected on the challenges the band faced during the 1990s, a period often seen as tough for thrash metal. He admitted, “We were all terrified at the time,” recounting how hard it was to sell his Jackson guitar when everyone was opting for more traditional models like Les Pauls or Fenders.
Mille expressed relief that the decade is over, attributing metal’s struggles not solely to the rise of grunge, but to industry figures who weren’t supportive of the genre. He noted, “Nowadays, with the internet and social media, the scene can create itself. The people working in record companies now are metalheads, not just businessmen focused on what sells.”
He previously mentioned in a 2013 interview that grunge was one factor, but also pointed out how glam metal affected perceptions of real thrash bands. “A lot of glam stupidity took people off of metal,” he said, suggesting that the MTV era misrepresented the genre by promoting bands that didn’t reflect its true spirit.
Mille also shared that he felt restricted by thrash during that time, saying, “I got tired of being labelled.” He recognized the potential for experimentation and felt that many thrash bands in the ’90s were simply following trends.
Discussing the broader challenges, he reflected, “People were wondering if thrash was just a phase. I never thought of quitting, but it was a tough time; lots of bands split up, and being a metalhead wasn’t in fashion.” He acknowledged the influence of MTV and the industry on musical tastes but praised bands that continued to fight for their place.
KREATOR is currently on the “Klash Of The Titans” tour with TESTAMENT, promoting their latest album, “Hate Über Alles,” released in June 2022. This album marked the band’s first with bassist Frédéric Leclercq, who joined KREATOR in 2019 after a successful stint with DRAGONFORCE. The tour has been a testament to the enduring legacy and resilience of thrash metal.
