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(7/10) If Crematory's new album is a real 'monument' is something you need to answer for yourself, but one thing is for sure a given: Crematory is a steady part of the goth metal scene. The guys from Mannheim, Germany started in 1991, with a first demo in 1992. In the meantime years passed by and Crematory is still releasing records. These guys survived all the changes in rock and metal. Even the grunge period couldn't do any of harm to Crematory.
"Monument" is Crematory's 13th longplayer that comes with twelve songs and it's the first record without Matthias Hechler who left the band due to private reasons. The band found a replacer, no, actually two. Tosse Basler took over the rhythm guitar & clean vocals while Rolf Munkes became lead guitarist.
"Monument" starts pretty heavy. "Misunderstood" can't be misinterpreted. The opener is a solid statement. Crematory's gothic rock didn't became silent during all these years. "Monument" is a heavy tune that presents the band loud and heavy, something I like.
"Haus mit Garten" follows, building on the same pattern. I personally think that the German lyrics sound a bit odd and the whole thing reminds of the Neue Deutsche Härte a la Rammstein.
"Die So Soon" is the third song on "Monument" and it adds another facette to Crematory's sound. Reflecting on the opening triple "Die So Soon" became the most melodic and catchy song with keyboards more in the forefront and clean vocals as an extra ingredients.
These three tunes reflect pretty much what you can expect from "Monument" since they are the blueprint for the other nine numbers. I personally like the moments when Crematory plays loud and heavy. "Eiskalt" and "Die letzte Schlacht" are cool songs that can compensate for "Everything", a track that sounds more like a harder Pet Shop Boys song with some harsher vocals.
Again, Crematory is a constant factor in goth metal and the new album will underline this status. If you liked the band so far, you will also love "Monument".
(7/10)
Tracklist:
- Misunderstood
- Haus Mit Garten
- Die So Soon
- Ravens Calling
- Eiskalt
- Nothing
- Before I Die
- Falsche Tränen
- Everything
- My Love Within
- Die Letzte Schlacht
- Save Me
Label: Steamhammer/SPV
Genre: Gothic Metal
Release Date EU: April 15th, 2016
