Crematory - Inglorious Darkness

Crematory's Inglorious Darkness (2022) is generally seen as a solid, enjoyable entry for existing fans, continuing their signature blend of Gothic, Industrial Metal, and electronic sounds, featuring catchy hooks, German lyrics, and a well-received re-recording of "Tränen der Zeit" (Tears of Time). While some critics found it consistent but unadventurous or felt clean vocals were weak, many praised its infectious melodies, strong keyboard work, and overall consistency, calling it a worthy addition or even a return to form after previous efforts.

by Rick Eaglestone

Celebrating three decades German gothic metal legends Crematory return with new album Inglorious Darkness. Proceedings start with title track Inglorious Darkness followed by Break Down the Walls which is full to the brim of soundscapes that the band have sprinkled into the last few albums.

The first of four German language tracks Trümmerwelten make an appearance, it is something the band have not done it a while and they do it well, so it is a welcome return to form. Heaviest track of the album Rest in Peace is full on and straight to the point – the riffs and growling vocals ring throughout & In honesty I was expecting The Sound of My Life to be a ballad but no, it has got some great parts in it that I particularly enjoyed especially the keyboards, one of my favourites for sure.

Then I genuinely had to start the next track as I thought it sounded like something remarkably similar and I was right it is Tears of Time the bands biggest track all the way back from 1995’s stunner Illusions now reworked as Tränen der Zeit. For pure nostalgia value and it being performed in the band’s first language, this absolutely is my highlight track of the album. Now it is hard to follow that up but Until We Meet Again steps up and fills the role effortlessly.

Zur Holle could easily be confused for an Atrocity track which is not a bad thing in fact straight after this album I found my copy of Taste of Sin which I have not listened to for about fifteen years. I did come back to Inglorious Darkness a few days later and still got the same dynamic from it. Not for the Innocent is for sure the catchiest track of the release, it had the type of chorus that goes round & round in your head for days after hearing it, last of the German language tracks Das Ende would’ve been a great closer – I can’t reiterate enough just how well they blend it with the rest of the album I hope going forward this is something that the band choose to adopt.

Lastly, the grand sounding Forsaken finishes off the album – it has some great symphonic parts which add another element I am glad to see make a return and overall encapsulates the aesthetic of the album perfectly.

For me personally easily one of the best releases Crematory have produced so far.

Ripped to MP3

1. Inglorious Darkness

2. Break Down The Walls

3. Trümmerwelten

4. Rest In Peace

5. The Sound Of My Life

6. Träner der Zeit

7. Until We Meet Again

8. Zur Hölle

9. Not For The Innocent

10. Forsaken

11. Das Ende