Review by Felix on December 10, 2023.

There is a chameleon creeping through time. Actually it is a Kameleon called Kreator. It looked ferocious (“Endless Pain”), more adult (“Extreme Aggressions”), experimental (“Renewal”), pink (“Endorama”), acceptable (“Enemy of God”) and ridiculous (“Hate über alles”). With this 7”, we go back to the acceptable period. “Civilization Collapse” is taken from “Phantom Antichrist” and it is among the highlights of this album. Naturally, the polished (yet powerful) production prevents an atrocious outburst of hate. There is no “Ripping Corpse” far and wide, but every note conveys the rebellious element of the song. Okay, it is not very authentic to hear Mille singing lines like “anarchy is breaking out” before he goes back on his couch or in a left-winged panel discussion about things nobody takes care of. Nevertheless, this song is, considering the “modern” approach of the Kameleon, a very good one that makes you bang your head.

The exclusive track of the 7” is “Wolfchild”. Its basic riff does not lack expressiveness, because it combines profound heaviness with a non-sugary catchiness. The song is probably not the most substantial one Kreator have ever written, but it is beneficially normal. Mille sings typical outlaw lyrics and he surprises with a lot of charisma, the chorus keeps sticking in the ear and somehow the track spreads very casual vibes. Bad tongues will call it a thrash pop song and with regard to the smooth flow and the conventional pattern, they are not totally wrong. But I like its spontaneity and nonchalance. The sound, of course, is great again, almost too perfect, but neither soulless nor sterile.

The artwork with the burning flag wants to be provocative, yet I am too old to lose many words about it. The whole package leaves plenty of room for improvement. There is only a thin sheet and the good looking orange vinyl. I guess “Civilization Collapse” intended to make a quick buck, so what. Kameleons want to live, too.

Rating: 8.1 out of 10