"Kreator is a German thrash metal band formed as 'Metal Militia' in 1982. Later they used the name 'Tormentor' until 1984 when they changed to their final name. The original lineup featured lead vocalist/guitarist Mille Petrozza, drummer Jürgen "Ventor" Reil, and bassist Rob Fioretti. Their musical style is similar to that of their compatriots Destruction, Sodom and Tankard. Along with those three bands, Kreator has been referred to as one of the 'Big Four' of Teutonic thrash metal, and they are often credited with helping pioneer death metal and black metal by containing several elements of what was to become those genres."
