Black Metal, Death Metal, Genre, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal

Cradle Of Filth – Cryptoriana: The Seductiveness Of Decay (Review)

30 Comments

Cradle Of Filth are a British institution, one of the most recognisable and successful extreme acts to come from these shores. But, while they are loved and loathed by many, they’ve never made a huge impression on me either way. I’ve bought and enjoyed a fair few albums of theirs over the years but I’ve never had that phase where I’ve obsessed over them, where they were my band. Until now.

Although I was late getting to it, I was thoroughly impressed with 2015’s Hammer Of The Witches, and the band’s latest album continues in that vein. Themed around the Victorian obsession with death, Cryptoriana: The Seductiveness Of Decay is a darkly fabulous romp of hard-hitting gothic metal, delivered with expertise and passion. The overall approach is still the band’s patented blackened Hammer Horror style but there’s a whole wealth of approaches employed. Heartbreak And Seance’s romantic melodrama, thrash fury on Wester Vespertine, You Will Know The Lion By Its Claw’s pitch-black savagery and there are wonderful trad metal gallops and harmonies throughout (most thrillingly in The Seductiveness Of Decay). Best of all, vocalist Dani Filth puts each song over and then some: a spirited and veteran performance of considerable taste, breadth and character.

Hammer Of The Witches reached some peaks of excitement that aren’t quite reached here but its a nano-gripe about a near-flawless album. And, on the flip-side, the latest album has none of the excess that detracted from its predecessor. For all its expansive grandeur, Cryptoriana… is tight and direct. The pedal is to the metal at all times and the band’s cinematic flourishes are weaved and layered skilfully throughout the songs with no boring intros or interludes to be found. The style is familiar but the album is fresh and stakes its own unique place in their canon. An utterly wonderful release from a veteran band at the top of their game. My band.

30 thoughts on “Cradle Of Filth – Cryptoriana: The Seductiveness Of Decay (Review)”

      5. He’s trouble. I’ve honestly considered buying Chinese Democracy on vinyl cause of him! (It’s in my Discogs cart awaiting the click of the button when I’ve had a drink or two).

        He’s nothing but trouble.

        Liked by 2 people

  5. When I was putting my New Releases together and I added this album, I actually watched this video and was surprised that I enjoyed it. I am not usually into this style, but it was definitely accessible. I might actually visit this album.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I heard it ages ago and really loved the album. I used to band to love the band but don’t like how Dani keeps on changing members…but ‘Hammer of The Witches’ was great, but this one is just on point.

    Liked by 1 person

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