Believe - Crematory

Released in 2000 by Nuclear Blast Records, 'Believe' is the seventh full-length by German gothic metal band Crematory. Essentially it consists of poppy and catchy, polished gothic/industrial rock/metal that lies somewhere between the more mainstream output of Paradise Lost and Rammstein, with plenty of tinkly keyboards and cheesy, sweeping synths. The vocals meanwhile are a mix of clean singing in the style of Paradise Lost's Nick Holmes alternated with booming gravelly growls, and fit well around the simple song structures. Whilst Crematory's sound might be quite derivative and is most certainly cheesy, 'Believe' remains an energetic and uplifting album with ...  Read the complete review

2000's 'Believe' has a little too much self-confidence about it, as if German gothic metal band Crematory intended it to be their defining album when it's actually more of a step backwards. The electronic elements are still present from 'Act Seven,' even more prominent now, but a lighter style results in the album's few heavier moments sounding severely stilted, such as the guitar riffs in 'Endless.' This is undoubtedly catchy, but there's not much to it beyond that superficial level. Songs like 'Take' and 'Act Seven' retain the electronic elements to a greater degree, 'Time for Tears' is predictably more melodic, and 'Perils of the Wind' is the compulsory ...  Read the complete review