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Despite their 15-year history this is the first time I've heard any of Crematory's music. After a quiet introduction, "When Darkness Falls" reveals itself as a classic Goth Metal song. That's 'classic' as in the fact that it conforms to an established style, rather than as an indicator of quality. The quiet/loud dynamic keeps things interesting, though I find the quieter passages the more piquant. Basically, I like the whispers rather than the roars. On the evidence of this song there's little to differentiate Crematory from other bands in the same genre, such as Moonspell. I suppose you've got applaud them for not hiring an ethereal female singer, which seems to be the current modus operandi in this genre. There's a Theremin-style whistle used during "Left The Ground" to accompany the growled and clean vocals. The song is catchy, but doesn't linger in the mind once it's finished. Crematory have been in the business long enough to know how to craft a song, so at least "Left The Ground" never stays stuck in the same lane.
A spooky church organ ushers in "Alone", which is sadly not a cover of the Heart classic. Crematory's take on the subject resembles Tiamat's "Gaia", if Johan Edlund had drunk coffee rather than smoked weed during its creation. There's a woozy, Type O Negative feel to this song. Three minutes in, we get eerie monk choral samples and a predatory bass stalking the cathedral. "Pray" is a harder proposition, with crunchy, riffing guitars, mixed with soaring keyboards. This title song builds in the vein of the harder side of Carl McCoy's canon. Crematory's songs balance the twin creative forces of Felix and Matthias, the former who is 'dirty' and the latter who is 'clean'. I'm talking about their singing styles of course, I have no inside information on their personal standards of hygiene. This dirty/clean dynamic is exemplified by "Sleeping Solution" which is the meeting of Metallica and Steve Hogarth-era Marillion. "Just Words" starts with spooky piano, presumably bought from the same spooky shop where the band got their church organ (see paragraph two). This is the nearest Crematory get to a ballad. Felix still sounds like a bear, but at least now he sounds like a teddy rather than a grizzly. During Matthias' singing section I'm reminded of A-ha's darker moments. Horror sound effects add to the disquieting mood. This song doesn't really go anywhere, but it succeeds in creating a haunting atmosphere. "Burning Bridges" soon shatters this ambience. Some prog-rock keyboards complement the heavy riffing guitars. An orchestra even turns up at one point. This song seems to travel a long way, despite only lasting just over four minutes. "Have You Ever" rumbles by in a heavy, but largely forgettable, manner. There's more creative riffin' overload for "Remember", which by combining Felix and Matthias' vocals, deals in different shades of sonic adventuring. There's something about Matthias' emotive, almost strained vocals, which reminds me of Linkin Park. Meanwhile the spooky monks go 'ahh' in the background. "Say Goodbye" brings the album to a close. It showcases the band's slightly prog-rock sounds, married to the heavier Gothic Metal side. If you love both genres and just can't decide which to listen to first then Crematory are your salvation. I like it when a band can vary their sound, but this isn't a combination high on my list to explore. While there is little wrong with Pray, there isn't anything exciting enough to depose the pantheon of modern prog-rock/Gothic Metal gods I already worship. |
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