One of the most consistent Gothic Metal bands in this corner of the universe has been Germany’s Crematory. Together since 1991, Crematory has released seventeen unique studio albums, including 2025’s Destination. Put out on May 2, 2025, Destination finds the band with one foot in the present and another in the past. A hybrid of the best parts of Crematory over the last thirty-plus years, it is an album as inviting as it is invigorating.
A key part of it all, Rolf Munkes has been on guitar for Crematory since 2015. A highly accomplished artist, in years past, he played with bands such as Empire, Majesty, and with Black Sabbath Singer Tony Martin. Additionally, a seasoned producer, he is also the owner of Empire Studios, located in Bensheim, Germany.
A decade into his journey with Crematory, Munkes has played on five of the band’s last albums, including the fantastic 2016 effort Mouments and 2022’s Inglorious Darkness. Also taking on a significant role in the mixing for each of the last three Crematory records, Munkes is passionate and emotionally invested in his work with the band. Excited for what they have put together with Destination, Rolf Munkes sat down to chat about the evolution of Crematory, the work put into the new music, production, plus more.
Cryptic Rock – Crematory has been established for over three decades now. Sustaining themselves, the band has progressed stylistically over time. Before we go any further, tell us, how would you describe the journey of Crematory to this point?
Rolf Munkes – Yes, Crematory has gone a long way, and there were times with different band members that sounded pretty cool. Although, as we have gone through changes over the years, it is obvious that the sound of a band will change and proceed as well. We’ve always tried to maintain the unique aspects of Crematory by preserving its trademarks and introducing new inventions, both musically and production-wise.
Cryptic Rock – Right, and that is a great way to approach creation. As mentioned, the band has undoubtedly made substantial progress over the years. Originally more of a traditional Death Metal act, the band shifted toward more Doom elements, which were prevalent on 1994’s …Just Dreaming, as well as more Gothic/atmospheric elements that carried into 1995’s Illusions. What do you think inspired the band’s style shift, leading to their modern sound with the current Crematory?
Rolf Munkes – Music is always changing, and as artists, we are part of it. We listen to different kinds of stuff, music has changed quite a lot since the ’90s, and we are part of it. This means that our way of composing music always changes because we are dependent on the stuff that we are listening to, and the way of production has changed tremendously.
Cryptic Rock – It certainly has changed a lot. The band has continued to produce quality material over the years, and you most recently released Destination in May 2025. What was the writing and recording process like for the latest album?
Rolf Munkes – We had a couple of leftovers from the session before, and a couple of new songs, and we were listening to all the early albums from Crematory. We’re absolutely sure that this time we have to come out with stuff that sounds like the early albums, but brought into the actual decade.
The album Destination was a logical consequence of its predecessor, Inglorious Darkness. On this album, we were experimenting with Felix as the only singer. It was kind of reinventing the band again, and the process was quite adventurous. However, I think in the end it was absolutely worth taking the time and trying all the different things we’ve gone through creating Destination.
Cryptic Rock – It is interesting to hear how you unified the past with the present. Digging into the lyrics more, Destination touches on some potent sentiments, such as “The Future is A Lonely Place” and “After Isolation.” The best way to describe it is dark, yet with a flicker of light. What was some inspiration behind the concept of these songs?
Rolf Munkes – Felix is always writing our lyrics, and as far as I know, he implements personal experiences into his lyrics. Music-wise, I can say that we wanted to create a kind of “Best of Crematory” album with all the trademarks and ingredients that made Crematory famous in the ’90s. It is a good mixture between heaviness and great keyboard lines that makes Crematory so unique.
Cryptic Rock – True. Some would argue that the peak of all forms of extreme Heavy Metal music occurred in the late 1990s and continued into the mid-2000s. Difficult to generalize, but it does appear that, as a whole, much of the music that has been produced over the last decade or so has something missing. Maybe it is overproduction, lack of quality songwriting, lack of originality… or a mix of it all. What are your honest thoughts on the state of music in 2025?
Rolf Munkes – As a music producer, I can say that overproduction is definitely a point. In the late ’90s or the beginning of the 2000s, the use of quantizing was definitely taking the life out of music. I mean, if you are using click in music, that generally kills all the rhythmic human subtle changes that we are used to hearing from any human. What I also notice is that so many young musicians and bands want to sound like xyz instead of creating a unique sound for themselves. I mean, this is music to find a distinctive sound.
Cryptic Rock – Excellent point. The band has been touring regularly around Europe. Is there any possibility of North American dates for Crematory soon?
Rolf Munkes – As far as I know, we unfortunately have no plans right now, though I would love to come over and play.
Cryptic Rock – That would be great to see. Last question. If you are a fan of Horror and Sci-Fi movies, what are some of your favorites and why?
Rolf Munkes – I’m a big fan of simple Action and Thriller. John Wick (2014), for example.
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