Cremate

CREMATE was a Death/Thrash power trio formed in Athens in December 1991 and active during the early-to-mid-1990s (date of disbandment is currently unknown). The original setting consisted of Christos/Chris (vocals, guitars - EPIDERMIC), Andrea/Andrew (bass) and Leonidas (drums). This was the line-up that recorded the excellent four-track debut demo “End of Time” in 1993, after which Leonidas had to do his obligatory army service and was replaced by George on the “Enchanting Black Recess” (1995) 7” EP, released on Darkside Records; which would be their final recording.

Stylistically, both of CREMATE’s releases are fundamentally derived from Teutonic Thrash/proto-Death Metal. Imagine an intense blend of SODOM and KREATOR and you’ve pretty much nailed down the basics. In some ways, the music parrallells that of their countrymen in CONDEMNATION, but whereas the latter focused on Heavy Metal-styled lead guitars and atmosphere, CREMATE took a different path. What made CREMATE stand out from their peers was their way of blending rawness with just enough melody to give each song its own distinctive vibe and development – in some ways similar to the rising Hellenic Black Metal scene in terms of melodic syntax and riffology.

While “Enchanting Black Recess” was the more technically accomplished work, “End of Time” will probably be the that will best stand the test of time; much thanks to inspired songwriting. It’s not without reason that “Die as You Lived” (second track on “End of Time”) was featured on so many compilations back in the day.

Compilation appearances:
* Delictum Compilation #2 [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Self-released (Delictum Zine), 1993]
* Metal Explosion Vol. 1 [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Metal Club Radio Show, 1994]
* Never to Rise Again [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Self-released, 1995]
* Tenebrarum Opera [Cass, Comp: Tenebrarum Productions, 1995]
* Thrash Metal [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Heavy – Rock Tapes, 1995]
* Μεταλλικά Όργια #3 – Stone Free… [Cass, Comp: Self-released, ?]