From the EPK: "Ready to Fight" is the rebirth of CREMATE, a band forged in the Athens underground of the early 90s. (1991 to be exact.) Built on the foundation of their cult demo "End of Time" (1993), this EP reimagines the raw Death/Thrash spirit of the past with a modern twist weaving in dark synths, samples, and atmospheric textures without losing any of the aggression. In 1995 they released their first EP, which was "Enchanting Black Recess". 30 years later, on 7 November 2025, they gave us their second EP "Ready To Fight" and that is the one I'll be attempting to review for METAL TEMPLE. And because I actually like the Death/Thrash Metal genre, I'm excited to get started.

As "Ready To Fight" is only an EP of just over 23 minutes long, divided over four songs, I'm hoping it will give me enough scope to deliver a proper verdict. What I can state up front is that CREMATE has been able to create a good sounding EP, with all instruments easily identifiable as such. Although I must mention that I feel that the producers have been colouring within the lines a bit too much. What the sound lacks, though, is explosiveness. What the sound also reveals that the musicians within the band have the ability to react to what the others do, making the whole experience sound rather impressive and well put together. I never get the feeling that CREMATE are going flat out. Instead it feels as if they're holding back. And that is a pity.

Because I do feel that the songs on "Ready To Fight" are well structured, properly written and executed in a mannerly fashion. It makes them well on the way to becoming good ones, but they don't get to that stage as they all just lack that bit of extra oomph, that extra layer of intensity and danger that is so particular to the Death/Thrash Metal bands that stand out. The level of excitement is just too low for me to fully appreciate the lengths CREMATE has gone to in writing these tunes. I feel that if they would have had the exposure they deserved if the production would have rivalled that of bands like DESTROYER 666 and THE HAUNTED. Unfortunately that is not the case, and if you love your Death/Thrash Metal, you'll undoubtedly enjoy "Ready To Fight", as I do, but I was hoping for more.