CRADLE OF FILTH"Cruelty And The Beast"
(Music For Nations)
RATING: * * * 1/2
People who know me, know also that I don't really like the black metal style and most of the bands playing it. Or, better, I don't like that noise done by a lot of crap fellows who don't even understand how to keep a guitar in their hands; I give my respect, instead, to those, as Cradle Of Filth, Limbonic Art, Dimmu Borgir and so on, who proved to be real musicians and to be able to play and compose really interesting stuff. I am then going to speak about the last Filth chapter, "Cruelty And The Beast", basd upon the real story of a mysterious Hungarian noble called Countess Bathory. Musically, this record is exactly what the fans would and should expect from a band like Cradle Of Filth: thrilling keyboard atmospheres, demonic rhythms, hellish vocals and a lot of class. One thing is slightly different: Dani's vocals are more "human" this time, that means he does not only scream as a tortured soul, as he did on the previous three albums, but he also shows another side of his singing, more aggressive and in a certain way even more evil. For what concerns the rest, it is always Cradle Of Filth, which can be either a good thing or a defect, it depends. I personally think it is always better to maintain one clear and recognizable style, but sometimes I would like to hear also something new. However, "Cruelty And The Beast" is still a truly fascinating work, and traks like "Thirteen Autumns And A Widow", "Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids" or "Bathory Aria" are very representative of these English guys' talent. IN a few words, if you like symphonic black metal and the past Cradle Of Filth albums, this one is for you, otherwise... well, keep avoiding it!
Back to albums index