Crematory – Infinity (2010)

Having formed in 1992, Germany’s Crematory is one of the most consistent bands in the Metal music business. The band has released 11th full-length albums, and they show no signs of slowing down.

Starting as one of the first Gothic Death Metal bands, I started following this band since their debut full-length album “Transmigration”. With “Infinity” the band continues with their traditional sound, as well as the added Industrial influences they picked up a few years go.

Some people would argue that the problem with a band like Crematory is that they haven’t changed much since their first albums. And I would interject that this is not necessarily bad since the band had a good style to start with, very basic and down to earth, with simple keyboard arrangements. The band has slowly evolved into what they are now, but still maintains their ‘classic’ identity.

Most bands that sparked during the early 90’s with the whole Gothic Death and Gothic Doom Metal movements have changed styles so much that you won’t be able to recognize them anymore. The likes of Paradise Lost, Theatre Of Tragedy, Anathema, have considerable changed but only a handful like Crematory and My Dying Bride, have stayed with their ‘old school’ sound and incorporated a few modern elements here and there, but nothing to drastic.

That being said, you know what you can expect from “Infinity”, the album is a traditional Crematory release featuring catchy guitar riffs, with a perfect pairing of alternation growls and clean vocals. The keyboards like always, are present providing some overtones to the music but never taking the lead. The Industrial influences that the band picked up a few years ago are still present in the riffing structure and the keyboards but are never exuberant enough to get annoying or destroy the band’s main style.

If you are a fan of the band you won’t be disappointed by “Infinity”. If you are looking for a good Gothic Death Metal release and never heard of Crematory, this album will do the trick and hook you into this band.

Release: January 29th, 2010

Country: Germany