The German sextet CREMATORY doesn't need a long introduction. They have played together since 1991, creating a different form of Death Metal that, to some, is unbearable due its differences, uncommon musical approach and melodies (remember what I always write on my reviews: to have musical personality abhors some idiots). But their long career can be resumed in one word: honesty. This is the feeling that flows from "Live Insurrection", their latest release and their fourth live album.

Presenting the entire show on "Bang Your Head" festival, there are 17 songs that will show you and eclectic form of music, showing the aggressiveness of Death Metal shaped by unconventional melodies, and some Gothic Rock and Industrial Rock influences. As always, CREMATORY is different, creative and wonderful. I know that like or dislike is a particular choice that everybody has, but if you don't like it, tough luck for you...The sound quality is amazing, clear and heavy and the same time, with the musical instruments sounding great and with the right volumes and tunes. The whole album is sounding like as we were on the venue for their presentation, with the same intensity and energy. It's really astonishing, in the good sense of the expression.

Of course that "Live Insurrection" is filled with many great moments, because the band had chosen wisely their setlist. But the beautiful melodies and great work from vocals and keyboards of "Misunderstood", the seductive harmonies created by the contrast of keyboards and guitars on "Fly", the clear mix between Death Metal, Gothic Rock and Industrial influences shown on "Greed" (excellent vocals, both on guttural as in the clear tunes) and on "Haus mit Garten", the focus on an elegant and introspective form heard on "Ravens Calling", the good rhythmic work of "Pray" and on the Gothic feeling of "Everything" (bass guitar and drums are really fantastic on both, and on the last one, a fine work from keyboards is presented as well), the fine bittersweet melodies of the keyboards of "Shadowmaker", the excellent energy rush that "The Fallen" has, the hooking rhythm of "Die So Soon", and the classic old one "Tears of Time". But I have two particular complains (that will not influence on my final analysis of the album): why some songs of their classic "Awake" were left out? And they could have played "Ist Es Wahr" as well. But the album is really great!

On the DVD, along with the full show, there are four videos from songs of "Monument", their last studio album: "Misunderstood", "Ravens Calling", "Haus mit Garten" and "Everything". Definitively: "Live Insurrection" is one of the best live albums of this year, if it isn't the best one.