Crematorium – The Process of Endtime

Monday, July 11, 2005

Author: Aidan Gray

It’s always a distinct pleasure to see an artist progress from album to album, especially when the sound and dynamics of their music reach that same level of progression. Los Angeles based Crematorium, who are signed to Prosthetic Records, home of some of metal’s bigger breakout bands (Himsa, Lamb of God), have returned from a lengthy break to drop a surprisingly noteworthy release to the heavy metal bargaining table. “The Process of Endtime” takes Crematorium’s token brutality, and spices it up with their kiss of a tasteful all-aggro mix of thrash, ‘core, and speed. Keeping to the beat of turbulent Trynt Kelly’s abuse of his double bass pedals, and drumkit, the band’s shining star, vocalist Daniel Dismal, lifts this album to new heights. A ten track selection of vocal fortitude, and some jamming riffage adequately can placate even the most elitist of metalheads. Leaking the tracks ‘Bloodwake’ and ‘Testicular’ onto the band’s MySpace page doesn’t quite do both Dismal and this album enough justice, considering the different levels of vocal capacity and notes reached throughout this 10 song release.

Finding a blend of your traditional thrash, looping it in with a hint of today’s more modern ‘core sound, and covering your bases with a solid set of pipes and meticulous musicianship is what separates Crematorium from the rest of the pack. Tracks such as ‘Drowning as One’, ‘Born of the Deadtide’, and ‘Dying Under a Binary Star’ – as well as their two MySpace sneak peeks – accentuate the aforementioned description of what this album is all about. Overall the album is a solid effort from a band that’s been on the ‘brink’ for some time now. “The Process of Endtime” will hopefully furrow a path for this Southern California quintet who have been plagued by a lack of true honest label support, and a sincere deprivation of backing when it comes to being a part of worthwhile tours. If you are in the mood for a heavier selection of hooks and choruses in your daily musical offerings, “The Process of Endtime” could very well be a viable addition to your MP3 library or CD case.

Rating: 8.5/10
Label: Prosthetic Records
Website: http://www.crematoriummusic.com