There'll be legions of black metallers out there insulting this band... after all, having a go at Cradle Of Filth has become something of a trend, especially recently. But whilst I admit that they're somewhat O.T.T. and cheesy, perhaps a bit too "famous" (though certainly not accessible), and perhaps a little too arrogant, there's no denying their musical prowess. Okay, so a lot of their fans are just adolescent kids... but metal in general has always attracted much of it's following from the younger generation, so I don't let that bother me too much. More importantly, not only do they combine all the elements I like best about music (melody, darkness, blah blah blah), but they're also an English band... and not only that, but they're (mostly) from East Anglia, too (like me). What more could anyone want?!
Here's the tracklisting.
Yes, you read that correctly... "Nocturnal Supremacy '96." That song is a bonus track, though, and is only included on the digipack version of this album (which I have). However, don't despair if you miss out on the digipack... you're missing nothing. Aye, it's re-done, but still very similar to the version of the song on the "Vempire" MCD. In fact, I think this version sounds WORSE than the version on the "Vempire" MCD if anything. But the digipack costs the same as the normal CD anyway, so it's not as if I've paid extra money for the extra track.
On with the review, anyway. The line-up is a bit different now... I won't bother going into detail, but it's interesting to note that Gian Pyres (a.k.a. John Piras), who used to be in Solstice, is now in the band. He seems to have brought a more "metallish" influence with him... obviously C.O.F. have always been a metal band, but the music now seems to have more emphasis on the guitarwork. I mean, listen to their debut album "The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh," and the guitars are incredibly low in the mix. Here, however, the guitars are clearly audible and quite melodic, but without sounding like another Iron Maiden clone.
The drumming is still a bit off-the-beat and frantic, and there's still a hell of a lot of keyboard. Two of the songs ("Humana Inspired To Nightmare" and "The Graveyard In Moonlight") are actually keyboard instrumentals, and the latter song is very similar to "She Mourns A Lengthening Shadow" from "Vempire"... it's the same tune, only approached differently. It sounds majestical and professional, and would be perfect as a soundtrack to an eerie horror film or something. Never mind those "total synth" bands who just tap a few keys now and again. If Damien (the synth player with C.O.F.) were to release his own total synth album, it would blow the living shit out of Mortiis and similar embarrassments.
The vocals are still the same as ever. There's some lovely female vocals, which are mostly spoken (although there's some actual singing too), some deep gothic speaking, whispering etc... but it's the characteristic screams which dominate this album. Dani's screaming is unfeasibly high... if it wasn't speeded up, then the man must be possessed. Absolutely incredible. Of course, many people will also find such vocals very irritating, but the variation in vocal styles holds one's interest. The lyrics themselves are the usual dark, gothic and romantic poetry, but it's impossible to decipher the screaming without having the lyrics in front of you. The erotic side of things is still evident in the lyrics, but there are no bare-breasted women pictured in the CD inlay this time (I'll leave it up to you to see the more subtle photos for yourselves... even the one of them drinking blood from a woman is marginally more tasteful than it could've been). But lines like "my cunt may twitch against thy kiss" (obviously said by one of the female vocalists!) may be seen as unnecessary by some people. (Although as Dani himself has said, if they were supposed to appeal to everyone, why would they be playing this type of music?) I find such lines more humorous than darkly erotic, but there are some genuinely good poetic moments as well. Cronos, of Venom fame, also contributes a spoken part during the final moments of "Haunted Shores."
Not much more to say. At one stage I was considering taking a very in-depth look at this album, dissecting it track-by-track, etc... but it'd be pointless to ruin all the surprises. If you liked "Vempire" then buy this... I personally think this is a lot better, although "The Principle.." is still the ultimate. There's so much going on in these songs that it takes a few listens to digest everything properly, so don't dismiss it too early... give it a chance. Despite the fact that they have a few childish T-shirts and way too much merchandise available, their music is still top notch, and I'd say they're definitly one of the best bands ever of this genre.
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