There’s something simplistic about Crematory’s music. I guess the fact that their music is so approachable is why they’ve released ten albums, can call themselves “Germany’s leading gothic metal band” and why “Revolution” (2004) is a favourite in my collection.
Speaking as a non-German, it all seems very strange. The essential Crematory track has an irresistible beat but unless recent albums, which I haven’t heard, are different, is always the same military marching quality. At the same time the singer Felix is not the most melodious vocalist, pumping out his lyrics in a curiously individual style which lies between straining and growling. Yet the gothic edginess and atmospheres can’t be denied, and it’s probably that which makes Crematory so endearing.
“Shadowmaker” is one track which is being released as a single and as a taster for album number eleven, “Antiserum”, which is due to come out next year. There are three mixes of the track on the single. Taking the classic version first, it has all the classic qualities. Crematory have always made effective use of keyboards and they do that here, mixing them into a driving song where we’re left in no doubt as to its title. It’s similar to “Revolution” and its driving gothic bounciness and catchiness. It has a pop structure but is suitably harsh. The electronic element is in a modern techno style and less classical than I’ve heard before. The bounciness undoubtedly arises from the EBM element. EBM (Electronic Body Music) is, according to a famous on line encyclopaedia, “a musical genre which combines elements of post-industrial music, electronic dance music and synthpunk”. Crematory’s style fits perfectly into this mood, and guarantees them a hit single, I’d have thought. I preferred the Elektro mix to the classic version, as it’s such a logical extension to their own style, but with interesting sound experiments. Felix’s vocals sound almost synthesised and so fit into the scheme perfectly. The band’s own creativity comes through with the punchy rhythm, and through the ever repeating chorus, which is the track title, there is a cool break. The “Centhron” mix, so called after the Hamburg-based EBM band, is even faster and raises the energy level still further.
In one sense there’s not much to judge on here but this is a cracking pop-goth song, enhanced so much by the electro element. I just hope that Crematory stick to the EBM style on their new album. It suits them perfectly.
(9/10 Andrew Doherty)
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