The now legendary CRADLE OF FILTH have returned with their twelfth album Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness of Decay. The ever evolving metal icons newest offering, as dark and macabre as ever, is sure to please the army of fan the band have amassed over their career.
For Cradle of Filth to reach the stage where they are releasing their twelfth album is a staggering feat. For Cradle of Filth to release their teeth album and it be one of their strongest albums for many years is an even greater one, considering their back catalogue, yet they have managed it. Cryptoriana is a shining example of how to age as a band, staying true to the origins of the band whilst also introducing elements that keep the songs sounding fresh.
It goes without saying that vocalist Dani Filth’s vocal performances is one of the most staggering aspects of this album. It is hard to hold back the smile during the opening of Heartbreak and Seance as Filth’s piercing scream kicks of the album in typical fashion. Throughout the album the vocals do not waver and are the solid backbone of the album. When that is mixed with a talented female vocal such as on Vengeful Spirit, a beautiful and mesmerising contrast is created that Cradle of Filth have played with before, yet never seems to be any less impressive. Many bands incorporate vocal contrasts into their song but none quite like Cradle of Filth, who appear to have mastered it.
After praising Dani Filth’s remarkable performance as usual, it would be wrong of me not to point out the unbelievable amount of talent the rest of the musicians in the band posses. One of the personal highlights of this album is how the guitars work so perfectly together. Guitarists Richard Shaw and Ashok work so well together. Just listen to You will Know the Lion by His Claw, arguably the strongest song on the album, also demonstrating the drumming talents of Martin Skaroupka, something no extreme metal band can afford to be without.
Clocking in at just over 5o minutes, the album does a great job at not over staying its welcome, coming to an end at just the right time. It is eight tracks of sheer metal excellence, nothing more and nothing less. The album does a great justice to the huge legacy of Cradle of Filth and I would highly recommend heading out to see them on tour after this year, as these songs are going to be huge live!
8/10
Reviewed by Alex Rawstorne
is available everywhere via Nuclear Blast