Crematorium "This is Armageddon... 5 Songs of Absolution" CD
[self-released]
Here's a brief self-released "sampler" EP of sorts, in a way highlighting the band's heavier side. You get two songs from the bands "For All Our Sins" full-length - "The Murder Process" and "Seasons of Nothingness" - and then those same two tracks recorded live along with an old song from the 1993 demo "Dark Manifestations" ("Maim"). You get plenty of pummeling heavy grooves in "The Murder Process", and more of the same along with plenty of thick and sludgy Crowbar-isms in "Seasons of Nothingness". The live tracks were recorded at the infamous Whiskey in late-2002, and the sound quality is actually pretty damn good. The drums and vocals are dominant, which is often a problem with live recordings, but nothing sounds bad to me, in fact most of the tones sound pretty damn good considering the conditions, and were the mix a bit more balanced these would be exceptional live recordings. I like the fact that they didn't clip out any of the talking between songs (so you'll get to hear the word "motherfucker" every five seconds, ha), but I am somewhat disappointed that the first two live tracks are the same two tracks in the same order that open the disc in studio recording form. "Maim" sounds great though, something about the performance really gives the song more energy and force than the band's early studio work offered. It's awesome to hear that song given a modern "facelift" of sorts. The CD is professionally pressed and has red, white, and black printing on the CD face, which is then housed in a xeroxed sleeve that looks alright. It could be crisper or higher quality printing, but I can live with it. It looks pretty simple, and that works. I'd give this a 7/10, but in my opinion it would've been better to offer five different songs, even if most of the live songs were older tracks, just because it's weird to hear two songs twice in a row (studio and then live), and I also think the package could've been handled a bit more tastefully while still taking budgetary concerns into consideration. This band is definitely improving with time, though. I'm very curious to hear their next record. And shit, they're giving this thing away for free, so check it out if you get the chance. (6/10)
Running time - 13:17, Tracks: 5
[Notable tracks: Seasons of Nothingness, Maim (live)]
Creamtorium - http://www.crematoriummusic.com

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