Band:	Kreator
Album:	Outcast
Style:	Gothic metal
Release date:	July 22, 1997
Guest review by:	Deadmeat

01. Leave This World Behind
02. Phobia
03. Forever
04. Black Sunrise
05. Nonconformist
06. Enemy Unseen
07. Outcast
08. Stronger Than Before
09. Ruin Of Life
10. Whatever It May Take
11. Alive Again
12. Against The Rest
13. A Better Tomorrow
14. As We Watch The West [Japanese bonus]

In the 90's,the Kreator went into an "experimental" phase. In their four releases during that decade, they enhanced or even replaced their pure thrash metal style to different styles, such as Gothic, Heavy, Industrial etc. For the eight years that followed (1992-1999), many fans showed their dislike of the new stuff ,some just found it slack; only a few appreciated it.

"Outcast" was one of these albums. Certainly , it can't be compared to the great first releases of the band. We could say though, that this album was a remarkable change in style. If I had to categorize it, I'd say that it is influenced by Gothic and Heavy metal and enriched with some Avant-garde elements. It is the first time that Kreator write "easy" songs ,with music less than technical. The guitar is now melodic - something new in Kreator's style. The fast and violent riffing of "Extreme Aggression" gave it's place to melodic and catchy riffs.

As for the songs, the whole album can be described as "groovy" and "melodic". "Black sunrise" and "Outcast" are two very good Gothic songs, with sad melodies and a slower tempo. On the other side, "Phobia" is the album's most powerful song for sure. It also became the "hit" of the band and one of the fans favorites. I really can't remember a live setlist where it's not included since 1997! Check also on "Whatever it May Take". In the middle of that song you'll hear "electronic" vocals, something that no one would expect from Kreator. The lyrics are, as usual, "against the rest" so I don't need to say anything else about that!

If you search for Thrash metal, this is not where you'll find it. "Outcast" is very different to any other Kreator release ,but this does not make it a weak album. Give it a try and enjoy 47 good-music minutes!

Highlights: "Phobia", "Enemy Unseen", "Black Sunrise", "Against The Rest".