I have been a huge fan of Cradle of Filth for most of my life. The fact that they consistently release new material every few years and manage to keep it fresh is just one of the many reasons that I’ve stayed on board. However, we all have to admit that a small part of ourselves wonders if a band still has “it” when they have been around for so long and a new release looms. Well, I’m here to assure you that The Filth most definitely does.
One of the most obvious things to address is that this album features what is probably the most significant lineup change since the period bridging Cruelty and the Beast and Midian. But therein lies perhaps the album’s greatest strength: it plays like an offering recorded by veterans, yet has the energy of a debut album. What you will hear is an uncompromising and reinvigorated Cradle of Filth that bestows us with a masterpiece featuring tracks that showcase beauty and brutality, while conveying an atmosphere so thick you would have to eat it with a spoon.
Speaking of veterans in the band, founder/ lyricist/ vocalist Dani Filth continues to astonish with lyrics that read like classic literature and somehow continues to scream at the top of his lungs after all these years. Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka once again turns in an incredible drumming performance. Not only that, he played keyboards and orchestrated the album, making him one of the most invaluable hires in the band’s history. Daniel Firth returns as bassist and has several moments in which he is able to showcase his vast talent.
As for new additions to the band, guitarists Marek “Ashok” Smerda and Richard Shaw have really concocted some amazing riffs. Just listen to guitar riff driven tracks such as “Yours Immortally…” and “The Vampyre at My Side,” which happen to change pace on a dime and you will hope these two gentlemen are here to stay. I must also commend them – and all involved – on “Blackest Magick in Practice,” my favorite song on this album; it has many of the elements that I love about a classic CoF song. Lindsay Schoolcraft, known to most as the live keyboardist, contributes female vocals and harp. Her presence can most be felt on “Right Wing of the Garden Triptych” (check out the music video embedded at the bottom of this review) and the orchestral instrumental, “The Monstrous Sabbat (Summoning The Coven).” The latter is so haunting and atmospheric that it would fit in well on a Silent Hill soundtrack…. probably Downpour.
Other standout tracks that I’ve yet to mention include “Enshrined in Crematoria” and “Deflowering the Maidenhead, Displeasuring the Goddess.” If you have the chance to pick up the edition featuring two bonus tracks, you are well advised to do so, even if you have to pay a few extra bucks. “King of the Woods” is somewhat experimental in nature and “Misericord” will really get your ’80s Fist going.
Many have said this is the best Cradle of Filth album since Midian. I’m not sure if it’s THE best (I really love Godspeed on the Devil’s Thunder), but it absolutely ranks up there. I feel that this is an album that CoF fans will listen to constantly for the next few months. Those who fancy themselves as extreme metal fans owe it to themselves to pick up a copy.
