Awake
Crematory · 1997
45 min · 10 tracks · gothic metal
Melodic gothic metal intertwines with atmospheric elements, creating a haunting yet powerful sonic landscape that captivates the listener.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lords of Lies — This track exemplifies the band's fusion of melodic hooks and heavy guitar riffs, encapsulating the essence of their gothic metal style.
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Crematory — The title track features powerful vocals and anthemic choruses that define the album's thematic core and showcase the band's evolution.
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Mirror — The closing track combines introspective lyrics with a haunting melody, leaving listeners with a lingering emotional impact that resonates beyond the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends melodic and atmospheric elements effectively, showcasing strong production and varied vocal styles.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy, layered guitar riff in 'Maze' that sets a dark tone, followed by contrasting melodic vocals.
- Tracks often feature dual vocal styles, alternating between growled and clean singing, which creates dynamic shifts in mood.
- Several songs incorporate atmospheric keyboard elements that enhance the gothic ambiance without overpowering the metal instrumentation.
- The final track, 'Mirror', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an echoing sense of unresolved tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- haunting melodies for introspection
- dark atmosphere for deep thought
- consistent flow for focused sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat and fast-paced
- seek short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 26, 1997, 'Awake' is Crematory's third album, following their breakthrough record 'Illusions' from 1995. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their signature sound by blending gothic metal with industrial influences, marking a significant development in their musical identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Paradise Lost· My Dying Bride· The Sins of Thy Beloved
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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My Last Words
The verse shifts perspective dramatically, addressing themes of regret and finality directly as if speaking to a lost loved one.
This moment deepens the emotional weight of the song by breaking away from abstract imagery to confront personal loss head-on.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Maze 1:13
- 2 Lords of Lies 5:10
- 3 Away 4:41
- 4 Temple of Love 4:45
- 5 For Love 4:34
- 6 Crematory 4:57
- 7 My Last Words 5:10
- 8 The Loss 4:12
- 9 Yourself 5:15
- 10 Mirror 5:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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