The 3-disc (two CDs and one DVD) collection Black Pearls is the first proper “greatest hits” package from long-running German gothic metal band Crematory. The band started out in 1992 with a sound that was mostly death metal with some gothic influences, and has since moved to a full-on gothic metal sound (with death metal influences). They’re one of the pioneering gothic metal bands, and Black Pearls provides an in-depth look at their career to date.
With 32 songs spread across two CDs, Black Pearls leaves no stone unturned. It weaves non-chronologically through the band’s discography, from the harshness of their 1993 debut Transmigration to the far more polished 2010 release Infinity. Black Pearls contains 2-3 songs from Transmigration, Just Dreaming, Illusions, Crematory, Awake, Act Seven, Klagebilder, Pray and Infinity, and four songs each from Believe and Revolution. You get a good mix of their heavier, death metal material, the more danceable gothic metal, their German language tracks, and even a pair of excellent covers (Sisters of Mercy’s “Temple of Love” and Depeche Mode’s “Black Celebration.”)
The sheer volume of music on Black Pearls makes it a very comprehensive overview of Crematory’s career. Those unfamiliar with the band will find it an ideal introduction to Crematory, and it should also appeal to those who enjoy the band’s sound, but who don’t feel compelled to own all of their studio albums. Crematory’s albums are consistently enjoyable, but they’re also consistently…consistent. Black Pearls may end up being all the Crematory you need.