The Total Sound Of The Undergound

Lelahel Metal

Croatian thrashers Krematorium return with Sinister Seduction, out May 23 via Witches Brew. We spoke with Erik and Domagoj about their evolving sound, cinematic lyrics, and the fire behind their riffs.

1. Your new album, Sinister Seduction, is set for release on May 23rd via Witches Brew. How would you describe the evolution of your sound compared to your debut Body Bags and your EP Altar of Lies?

ERIK:We would describe it as a gradual shift toward a more classic heavy metal sound while still maintaining strong thrash influences.

2. You’ve mentioned that this album leans more into traditional heavy metal influences while keeping the speed and aggression of thrash. Which bands inspired this shift in sound?

ERIK: Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, Motorhead, and NWOBHM scene in general.

DOMAGOJ: Alongside the bands we previously mentioned we have to highlight Overkill as one of our biggest influences. Their ability to seamlessly blend thrash and heavy metal, especially on their earlier albums, has been a huge inspiration for us.

3. Lyrically, Sinister Seduction moves away from war and anti-religious themes. What are some of the specific movies, people, or events that influenced the songwriting?

DOMAGOJ: Thrillers like Stonehearst Asylum, Shutter Island, and Deliverance were major inspirations for the lyrics. Moonshine Rider, for example, is based on a person we all know—the kind of person who constantly looks back at the past because they can’t accept that time has moved on.

4. The first single, Moonshine Rider, has been released along with an official music video. What’s the story behind this track, and how does it represent the rest of the album?

DOMAGOJ: We believe Moonshine Rider is a perfect representation of the rest of the album because it strikes the ideal balance between thrash and heavy metal. Lyrically, it tells the story of someone who can’t separate themselves from their youth and doesn’t realize that time has passed them by.


5. Witches Brew has been a strong supporter of underground thrash metal. How did your collaboration with the label come about, and what has their role been in bringing this album to life?

ERIK: We simply sent them our album, and they liked it! They’re handling the CD production for us, and we’d recommend them to anyone—Cheryl is a fantastic person and really easy to work with.

6. The 80s thrash and NWOTHM (New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal) influences are a major part of your identity. How do you balance paying homage to the old-school sound while keeping your music fresh and relevant?

ERIK: As you may know, the NWOTHM scene has been growing for quite some time now. Our goal is to be a part of that movement while still holding onto our early thrash metal influences.

7. You’ve been active since the early 2010s. How do you think the Croatian metal scene has evolved over the years, and where does Krematorium fit into it today?

ERIK: The Croatian metal scene has grown much stronger compared to back then. Of course, we had Vortex making waves with their Thrash Is Alive album, but now we’re seeing more and more bands gaining recognition.

DOMAGOJ: Since we started, Croatia has had several outstanding bands in the genre, such as Speedclaw, Flesh, LIV, and Bezdan. These are all incredible bands that we’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with. The scene has its ups and downs, but the passion for metal here has never faded.

8. What was the most challenging part of writing and recording Sinister Seduction? Were there any unexpected obstacles or memorable moments in the studio?

ERIK: We had a major lineup change in 2018, which had a huge impact on our songwriting process. Another setback was COVID-19, which cost us a few years. As for the studio experience, we had an amazing time recording Scream ‘n’ Shout with our great friend Leo from LIV (Zagreb).

DOMAGOJ: Erik already covered most of it, but I have to repeat that recording Scream ‘n’ Shout with our friend Leo was an unforgettable night. Definitely one of the most fun and memorable moments in the studio!

9. The thrash metal genre has always had a strong live energy. What can fans expect from your upcoming shows in support of the new album? Any special plans for the setlist?

DOMAGOJ: From day one, we’ve always given everything on stage, and the crowd responds to that—they explode as soon as they hear the first riff. When the album is out, we’ll definitely play it in full at least once, and we already know that some tracks are being really well received by the audience.

10.If you had to pick one track from Sinister Seduction that best defines the album’s essence, which one would it be and why?

ERIK: Moonshine Rider is the best representation of the album. It has a killer riff with a more classic heavy metal feel, but its lyrics deal with darker themes that tie into the second half of the record.

11. You’ve been in the scene for over a decade now. What advice would you give to younger bands trying to keep thrash metal alive in today’s industry?

ERIK: Just don’t stop playing. It’s easy to say, but much harder to do.

DOMAGOJ: Take your band seriously. Have an image, attitude, and a clear goal of where you want to go. Also, support other bands. You can learn a lot that way, and the scene grows stronger when bands lift each other up.

12. Where can fans grab a copy of the album, and what’s next for Krematorium after the release? Any plans for tours, festivals, or future projects?

DOMAGOJ: Fans will be able to buy the album from Witches Brew’s online store, our Bandcamp page, and at our shows. As for tours and festivals, we’ll announce everything when the time is right so stay tuned! 

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Moonshine Rider | Krematorium | KREMATORIUM

Krematorium Body Bags Full Album

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