DISSECTING THE FILTH

Cradle of Filth were formed in 1991 in the unsuspecting and slightly desolate countryside of Essex/Suffolk. Over the years the band has grown not only in number but also in ambition, their sound evolving from raucous clamour well known to many extreme black metal bands, into the astonishingly coherent thundering and beautifully intricate symphonics that makes them so immediately identifiable and unforgettable today. Their gruesome theatrics and gothic imagery give them a unique style that lures their fans into a world that is about more than just the music, making them one of Britian’s best loved and most inspirational metal bands. Over the years their infamy has developed also, and they have toured with Paradise Lost, Cannibal Corpse, Anathema, My Dying Bride, At The Gates, Napalm Death and Slayer as well as festival dates with Dimmu Borgir, In Flames and most recently with Guns 'n' Roses at Download festival 2006.

What follows is a short 'where to start' guide to most (not all) of the musical catalogue, from one of the world's most exciting and important bands.

BUY THIS ALBUM:

Midian - Music For Nations, 2000.

This album is a true masterpiece. A work of art of sheer demonic brilliance. This is Cradle of Filth at their absolute, ferocious, blood-thirsty finest. There are no words to describe the savage malevolence and seething spite that is maintained throughout the duration of this album. Lyrically Midian is simply unsurpassable; Dani is a
poetic genius - never have the subjects of rape, sodomy, necrophilia or bloodlust sounded so exquisite, nor will they ever again. The permanent fixure of Adrian Erlandsson behind the drumkit adds an inhuman gutteral pounding that enhances both the depth and complexity of the music giving it a stunning ferocity. The interplay between dark infernal morbidity, fearsome brutality, haunting symphonic intricacy and moments of operatic beauty make this nothing less than spectacular. This is the definitive Cradle of Filth album. 7/7


BUY THIS ONE NEXT:

Dusk And Her Embrace - Music For Nations, 1996.

Retaining the cacophonous nature of 'Principles of Evil Made Flesh' but less sprawling and with a greater sense of direction and splendour, 'Dusk...' shows Cradle of Filth at their near best. A higher standard of production allows the listener to fully appreciate the immense depth to the music, as well as the impressive level of musicianship. Cradle are finding their own identity and are unwilling to compromise. A greater use of symphonics than on 'Principles...' and the angelic operatics of Sarah Jezebal Deva contrast with Dani's violent screams perfectly, and with their increased focus this album sees Cradle playing to all of their wonderfully morbid strengths. 6/7

THIS IS DAMN GOOD TOO:

Cruelty And The Beast - Music For Nations, 1998.

This epic album, influenced by the life of Countess Elizabeth Bathory, confirms Cradle's position as masters of symphonic brutality whilst also demonstrating the full potential of Dani's poetic abilities. This album undoubtedly contains a fair chunk of their most impressive works but unfortunatly the momentum disappears little over halfway through and although the remainder of the album is by no means rubbish, the potency is needlessly lost and it begins to drag. Slicing two tracks and 13 minutes of playing time, would easily promote 'Cruelty And The Beast' from being an album that is merely bloody good, to one that is exceptional. 6/7

THIS IS A WEIRD ONE:

Nymphetamine - Roadrunner Records, 2004.

To the chagrin of many devoted fans this is Cradle's most accessible effort, and hence also the most commercial. However there is no question as to whether this new direction dulls or diminishes their sound. It could even be argued that it stretches it further. There are admittedly a greater number of 'ballads' (if you could ever dream of calling them that) and on the whole the album does lack the brutally relentless onslaught of 'Midian', but there are also a fair handful of finely crafted sledgehammer tracks that are uncompromisingly in both their ferocity and skill. No matter what you're used to listening to there is no way you could call this a weak album, nor a soft one. Those of us who are not quite so snobby would even dare to say it's one of their best. 7/7

THIS ONE ISN'T BAD EITHER:

The Principles of Evil Made Flesh - Cacophonous Records, 1994.

The low quality of this album makes it a difficult one to get into. Being their earliest properly released album, Cradle of Filth have yet to develop their trademark sound - although there are unmistakeable hints at their future path, the extreme rawness on 'Principles...' is much more reminiscent of bands such as Emporer, Bathory and Dimmu Borgir. There are also far too many instrumentals, and whilst on future albums they give crucial support to the theatrical and dramatic nature of the music, here they just seem to be fleshing out the gaps. The recording volume is low but if you turn this up loud you will discover some great black metal stomps, and although it's still early days there are clear hints at what is to follow. 5/7

THIS IS THE LEAST WORTHY:

Damnation And A Day - Sony Music / Abra Cadaver, 2003.

Concept albums must be incredibly difficult to write, not to mention frustrating - especially one of this length. Perhaps then Cradle of Filth can be forgiven, because it certainly shows. Although 'Damnation And A Day' maintains the merciless aural assault of earlier albums (thanks largely to Adrian Erlandsson's phenomenal drumming) it is also distinctly lifeless. Aside from a smattering of positively spellbinding tunes most are pretty immediately forgettable, and despite some nice special effects and atmospherics much of the album is flat and tuneless. It is a real shame because with a bit of effort and a smidgen more inspiration this could have been a proper corker of an album. As it stands 'Damnation And A Day' remains sadly below par. 4/7

MORE FILTHY STUFF -

Lovecraft and Witch Hearts - Music For Nations, 2001.

Concluding their four year contract with Music For Nations, 'Lovecraft...' is an album of truly epic proportions. For any newcomer or hardcore Filth fan alike, this should be an essential purchase and a treasured part of your CD collection. Containing some of the strongest tracks from perhaps their four finest releases ('Dusk...', 'Cruelty...', 'Midian...' and '...Enslave') as well as a collection of rare and unreleased tracks, re-mixes and covers, this is one album you simply can't do without. But it's not just its content that makes this such a spectacular trophy, for its whole is undeniably far greater than the sum of its parts. It's not the tracks themselves that make this album so incredible, it's the way it's been put together. Play both CD's back to back and a terrifying, grotesque yet beautifully seductive story unfurls. This was the first Cradle album I ever listened to, in the early spring of 2002, and I still find myself completely overwhelmed by it's pure, unadulterated, cruelly hypnotic power. If I had to take just one album with me on my journey into the rest of my life it would be this one. Indeed, if you don't mind missing out on their later stuff, don't even bother making the Ultimate CD that follows, just buy this one. 7/7

FROM THE CRADLE TO ENSLAVE - Music For Nations, 1999.

This E.P. sees Cradle of Filth having reached their terrifyingly formidable, bloody-minded peak. A seething, thunderous sound leaves the screeching of 'Principles...' far behind; this is meatier, heavier, louder, more aggressive, more focused, more experimental and self-assured, more vicious, and ten times more fucking scary! Containing two new head crushing tracks, one fantastic re-mix and two awesome covers, this is more than just a stopgap between albums (and drummers - '....Enslave' features 3 drummers playing on a grand total of only 6 tracks); this record marks the turning point of a band who have discovered their true calling and are determined to tear everything else to ribbons. 7/7

HEAVY LEFT HANDED AND CANDID (DVD) - Abra Cadaver / Worldwidetribe, 2001.

This DVD, encompassing live footage from Nottingham Rock City, a rather strange and mildly amusing tour diary/"shlockumentary", three videos ('Born In A Burial Gown' and 2 edits of 'Scorched Earth Erotica'), and a number of other extras, is really only for besotted hardcore fans. For those who haven't seen the Filth play live then the concert recording is a worthwhile taster of what to expect should you do so. The set-list is an impressive one, containing a fair number of the tracks on the Ultimate Filth CD list below, and the performance more than adequately demonstrates their ability to rock, although Dani's continued efforts to rile an otherwise sedentary crowd get a bit embarrassing after a while. Likewise with his narration between features on the DVD itself, which are just cringy. The videos are an excellent and absorbing insight into Cradle's twisted psyche and are well worth watching, as is the 'Cradle of Fear' trailer. The 'Blair Twit Project' is just pointless and a bit confusing. If you're not a fan of Cradle of Filth then definitely don't buy this because on the whole even if you are a fan you'll find most of it a bit irritating. 4/7

THE ULTIMATE FILTH PLAYLIST

The Forest Whispers My Name (The Principles of Evil Made Flesh) – A ridiculously catchy and unavoidably finger-drummy tune. Varying between borderline sludge to the kind of speed that leaves headbangers with broken necks, this is a regular feature of their live shows - and rightly so!

Summer Dying Fast (The Principles of Evil Made Flesh) – Opens with some funky drum work before Dani launches into one of his infernal screams. Another helplessly catchy tune with a rawness that even the Sex Pistols would be proud of.

Dusk And Her Embrace (Dusk And Her Embrace) – The thundering drum fill opening this song is a magnet to anyone with ears, and then Dani shrieks like the possessed………what follows is an exceptionally piece of music. This has everything you could ask for from a Cradle of Filth song. Fucking superb!

Thirteen Autumns And A Widow (Cruelty And The Beast) – Perhaps not as inventive musically as it could be, this is however one of Dani’s lyrical masterpieces and immensely headbang worthy.

Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids (Cruelty And The Beast) – This too is a poetic work of art, but unlike ‘Thirteen Autums….’ this also has stunning musicianship and a dead catchy tune. This is an outstanding piece of music and easily one of the greatest they’ve ever written.

The Twisted Nails Of Faith (Cruelty And The Beast) – At first this vicious cacophony is almost too painful to listen to, but underneath it all is another incredible (and spectacularly crafted) piece of black metal poetry.

From The Cradle To Enslave (From The Cradle To Enslave) – A deeper sound gives this a brutal rumbling effect that is nothing less that horrifying. The repeated line “this is the end of everything” makes this song a perfect closer to Filth’s live shows. The video is quite good too, if you can get hold of it.

Of Dark Blood And Fucking (From The Cradle To Enslave) – Slayer have covered this live. Says it all really.

Funeral In Carpathia (From The Cradle To Enslave) – Although ‘Funeral…’ features on the ‘Dusk...’ album, the bassier sound on this re-mix increases its depth and intensity tenfold.

Cthulu Dawn (Midian) – By rights the entire Midian album should go on this playlist, but that just seems be a bit lazy. Wittling it down even to five songs is a next to impossible task, but this is one song that must go on any playlist. Chtulu Dawn is an insanely punishing tune about a giant worm sea monster, and is another live favourite. Awesome drum work and perhaps the meatiest, most tangible riffs you’re ever likely to hear.

Saffron’s Curse (Midian) – This song is about necrophilia, and is perhaps one of the most beautiful pieces of poetry ever written.

Lord Abortion (Midian) – This song defies all comprehension. Easily the most vicious and brutally visceral song Cradle of Filth have ever written, Lord Abortion tells the story of a necrophile rapist serial killer. Read the lyrics – pure poetic majesty! Lord Abortion grows on you, and grows……and grows. Note: this song must be listened to VERY FUCKING LOUD!!

Her Ghost In The Fog (Midian) – This is a work of such moving tragedy that even Shakespeare would have been proud of it. Dani’s screams seethe with agony and tortured rage, complimented by Adrian’s phenomenal drumming, a beautifully tinkling piano and Sarah Deva’s sirenic operatics - to stunning effect. A tale of loss, misery and vengeance that is not only brain-mashingly headbangy, but also incredibly stirring.

Tortured Soul Asylum (Midian) – This is another infectiously catchy tune and another great piece of lyrical mastery. You’ll find yourself singing this for weeks afterwards.

For Those Who Died (Lovecraft and Witch Hearts) – At first this tune seems very un-Filthy, but once it gets going you start to realise that it’s actually another fucking good cover – and one that was made for Cradle of Filth. Another thrashy headbanging tune that must be played at full volume!

Amor E Morte (Lovecraft and Witch Hearts) – I’m cheating a bit here, because this is actually another song from the Midian album. Although it’s arguable whether this remix is better or not, it has a primitive unpolished quality that gives it an ethereal and rather disturbing energy that is certainly lacking on the original version.

Dance Macabre (Lovecraft and Witch Hearts) – A weird electro tune that sounds like it shouldn’t really belong on any Filth album, ‘Dance Macabre’ in fact sounds unnervingly good! It takes its inspiration from the ‘Cradle Of Fear’ film and only really makes sense if you’ve seen this (bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase sick room!) Nonetheless, a very dancey tune in all its wonderful twisted morbidity.

Hell Awaits (Lovecraft and Witch Hearts) – This is a Slayer cover and as such completely rocks! But this cover version has a vehemence that greatly adds to its haunting demonic ambience. Get down and worship Satan, innit!

Hallowed Be Thy Name (Lovecraft and Witch Hearts) – This is without a doubt one of the best Iron Maiden tunes ever written, and is perhaps also one of the best covers ever made. Cradle of Filth have managed perfectly to recapture the essential elements of this great song, whilst adding their own unique style – and without completely murdering it! Fucking awesome!

Hurt And Virtue (Damnation And A Day) – This instantly catchy track is probably also the most tuneful from the ‘Damnation…’ album. Simple yet surprisingly heavy. Truly inspired!

Better To Reign In Hell (Damnation And A Day) – Another head-crusher, made all the more effective by the eerie whispered/screeched/whispered lyrics.

Mannequin (Damnation And A Day) – Yet another track of creeping-up-on-you heaviness. Eerie back wailing and the use of other special effects make this a particularly interesting tune. Rock on! This, too, has a video well worth watching.

Gilded Cunt (Nymphetamine) – An awesome album opener, but also a formidable track regardless of its position on a playlist. Scorching guitars and merciless drums immediately grab you and pull you headfirst into a mental moshpit. You can’t help but love this song.

Medusa And Hemlock (Nymphetamine) - The insanely addictive opening of ‘Medusa…’ is a perfect demonstration of how Cradle of Filth combine battering drums and powerful guitars to snare unsuspecting ears, before plunging into a fetid soup of strangely pleasant noise.

Coffin Fodder (Nymphetamine) – Much of the Nymphetamine album is unavoidably moshy, but this is one of the true classics, and also one of the heaviest.

Filthy Little Secret (Nymphetamine) – The face-melting brain-liquifying guitar that opens this track promises crushing riffs of spine-snapping headflinginess. The rest of it does not disappoint.