the last part in this kreator re-issue series is about the band's eighth studio effort called "outcast" from 1997. again the record is marked by another few line up changes within the band. guitarist frank blackfire left the band after three full lengths and ex-coroner guitarist tommy vetterli stepped in. also did founding member jürgen ventor reil take over drumming duties again. this change was important especially for the chemistry among the band members.
for the first time since "terrible certainty" from 1987 the band recorded an album in germany again instead of in the united states. after "cause for conflict" was a thrash throwback, with "outcast" kreator tread more progressive paths again. there is a significant portion of midtempo songs on the record and many industrial-ish sound samples. i would call "outcast" a genuine crossover record, which has a lot to offer if one is willed to get into it.
there are fantastic songs like "phobia", "stronger than before" or "whatever it may take" which transport a great dark atmosphere. the whole thing breathes the nineties. although i think that the record is a bit too slow at times. a bit thrash ferocity would have done it good. therefore i can see why "outcast" isn't a fan favourite. like its predecessor, the album also appeared on gun records and because the late nineties were already a dark time for vinyl there was never a proper vinyl release (apart from a shitty picture disc).
a few unoffical pressings were the only way to get this baby on vinyl until fairly recently. noise records re-issued "outcast" in this nice edition with tons of liner notes and first-hand informations. additionally they threw in a bonus disc with the complete set of their dynamo open air gig from 1998. nice clear highlighter orange vinyl to round out the package. noise records. 2018.
