Holland’s most arrogant band has returned. When they formed in 2001, their bloating would soon become legendary across the various Dutch discussion forums. Back then, it was mostly bluff but nowadays their self-confidence is certainly justified. “The White Crematorium is their first album for Karmageddon Media after the collapse of their previous label Cold Blood Industries and Karmageddon must be very happy to have signed this multitalented band. Not only do they master the art of playing brutal death metal, the ability to write elaborate yet catchy songs places them above their peers. The Monolith Deathcult, many times accused of being a mere Nile-clone, prove with this album beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are more than said clone. Sure, they draw some of their influences from Nile but with the thousands of Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel clones around the globe this can hardly be a problem, I think.

Special mention has to be made of the lyrics; instead of the blood ‘n gore lyrics which are almost standard for the genre TMDC focuses on historical events such as World War Two, the Chernobyl disaster and The Eighty Year War.

Each lyric is accompanied by an explanation offering more background, if you’re interested to learn more about it. One of the highlights of The White Crematorium is the track “1567 – Under The Blood Campaign” which has fragments of the Dutch national anthem “Het Wilhelmus” woven into it. Another great track is the instrumental “The Haunted Ravines” which was written and performed by A. J. van Drenth, the man behind the Dutch doom band Beyond Belief.

If you like your death metal chaotic, catchy and with a lot of Slayeresque solos TMDC is the band you want. The White Crematorium, TMDC’s second album is an impressive album. The rich song material combined with truly interesting lyrical concepts wrapped in a thunderous production is a sure hit and will undoubtly be recognized as one of the death metal highlights of 2005.