Cradle of Filth – Cruelty And The Beast 
Label: Koch / Music for Nations
Rating: 
 

Tracks: Disc 1  Once Upon Atrocity Thirteen Autumns and a Widow Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids Beneath The Howling Stars Venus in Fear Desire in Violent Overture The Twisted Nails of Faith Bathory Aria:    Benighted Like Usher   A Murder of Ravens in Fugue   Eyes That Witness Madness Portrait of the Dead Countess Lustmord and Wargasm (The Lick of Carnivorous Winds) Disc 2 Lustmord and Wargasm (There Licking of Cadaverous Wounds) Black Metal Hallowed Be Thy Name Sodomy And Lust Twisted Further Nails (The Cruci Fiction Mix)

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The last time we got a Cradle of Filth CD in to review I passed it off to ScottVile like a coward. This time around I thought I’d give it a go myself. While this band has a bit too much “Goth” for my regular taste, reading the track listings it appeared to be a concept album, something I’m always interested in. So I sat back opened a cold one and popped this puppy in the CD player, I wasn’t prepared for what I got. The overall impression I came away with is this is a Horror Show set to music. The vocals come off like King Diamond meet Overkill and I can’t fault the musicianship. The rhythm section does a great job and the album is filled with great metal guitar work. 

Despite the fact that this really isn’t “my bag”, it was a compelling listen and I’m sure fans of this band and genre of music will walk away satisfied with this album which I believe is a reissue for them with the addition of  the bonus disc.