Cracen

Among all the bands that arose out of the early Greek Black/Death underground, CRACEN stands out as one of the more peculiar acts. Emerging at a time when the divide between various strands of so-called “extreme metal” wasn’t as clear-cut as today, CRACEN’s music remains rooted in Death Metal, yet emanates an atmosphere that lies closer to that of its sinister sibling, Black Metal. It doesn’t really matter what you call it though, CRACEN doesn’t really sound like any other band on their sole demo release “The Legend” (1992).

Most of the common attributes are in place (double-bass drums, tremolo riffs, death grunts, etc.), but they’re handled in a highly idiosyncratic manner that – in liaison with the equally strange and bass-heavy production – makes CRACEN immediately distinguishable from both domestic and international acts. If forced to make comparisons, mentions should be given to other bass-centered acts like Brazil’s MYSTIFIER or Italy’s MORTUARY DRAPE.

CRACEN didn’t last long though. After having formed in 1992 and released “The Legend” later the same year, members Greg (vocals), Alex (guitars, bass) and Chris (drums, keyboards) decided to drop the CRACEN-moniker in favor of BESTIAL WRATH. Under this name, they released one song called “Procrustian” on a split-7” with LEGION OF DOOM through Molon Lave in 1993 (a much more easily-obtained item than the CRACEN-demo, mind you). Before breaking up for good, BESTIAL WRATH also did a rerecording of the aforementioned track which was featured on a German underground compilation (see the BESTIAL WRATH post for more info).

Compilation appearances: