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Cradle of Filth has been making waves in the music industry again with the recent release of their latest track, ‘She is a Fire,’ accompanied by a music video. The track is part of their upcoming live album titled ‘Trouble and Their Double Lives,’ which is set to be released on April 28th via Napalm Records. This will be their first live album in two decades, featuring not only a collection of their best-loved tracks but also two new original studio tracks: ‘She is a Fire’ and ‘Demon Prince Regent.’
To further promote their new album, Cradle of Filth has teamed up with American groove metal band DevilDriver for a co-headline tour called ‘Double Trouble Live.’ The tour will start on March 8th in Tempe, Arizona, at Marquee Theatre, and will see the bands playing across the United States and Canada throughout March and April. Fans can also expect to see supporting acts Black Satellite and ONI on the tour.
Cradle of Filth is a British metal band that has been active for over three decades. Their unique blend of black, gothic, and symphonic metal combined with their dark and theatrical style has earned them a devoted following of fans, and they have been one of the most influential and controversial bands in the British metal scene.
Cradle of Filth was formed in Suffolk, England, in 1991, by vocalist Dani Filth, guitarist Paul Ryan, and bassist Jon Pritchard. The two had played in various bands together since the late 1980s and decided to create a band that would combine heavy metal with darkly themed lyrics, and since their formation, the band has released thirteen studio albums, several EPs, and compilations.
The band’s early music was heavily influenced by the black metal scene, particularly the Norwegian bands such as Bathory, Celtic Frost and Mercyful Fate, but they soon developed a more distinct sound that incorporated elements of gothic metal and symphonic metal. The band’s lineup has undergone numerous changes over the years, with Dani Filth remaining the only constant member throughout their history.
Cradle of Filth’s debut album, ‘The Principle of Evil Made Flesh,’ was released in 1994 through Cacophonous Records and established the band as a major force in the underground metal scene with the band’s signature sound and style. The album showcased the band’s unique ability to fuse elements of classical music and extreme metal, with intricate guitar work, orchestral arrangements, with haunting vocals by frontman Dani Filth’s signature alongside a blend of black metal, gothic metal, and symphonic metal, and dark and macabre themes, including Satanism and vampirism, which later established the band’s signature sound and style.
It featured lyrics inspired by the works of occult writers such as Aleister Crowley and H.P. Lovecraft. The band’s theatrical live performances, which often included elaborate costumes and props, also helped to establish their reputation as one of the most visually striking metal bands of their time.
‘Vempire or Dark Faerytales in Phallustein,’ released in 1996 through Cacophonous Records, is an EP that further established Cradle of Filth’s gothic sound. The album features a mix of black metal and symphonic elements, with lyrics that explore dark and supernatural themes.
In the years that followed, Cradle of Filth continued to release subsequent acclaimed albums, including ‘Dusk… and Her Embrace’ (1996) which was released in 1996 through Music for Nations. ‘Dusk… and Her Embrace’ is considered one of Cradle of Filth’s most iconic albums. The album features a more symphonic sound, with a focus on orchestral elements and complex arrangements. The album’s gothic themes are inspired by literature and folklore, including the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker.
‘Cruelty and the Beast,’ released in 1998 through Music for Nations, is a concept album based on the legend of Elizabeth Bathory, a notorious serial killer from the sixteenth century. The album features a mix of black metal and symphonic elements, with a focus on atmosphere and storytelling. The album received critical acclaim and is considered one of the band’s best works.
‘From the Cradle to Enslave,’ released in 1999 through Music for Nations, is an EP that features a mix of new and previously released material. The album features a more straightforward, aggressive sound than previous releases, with lyrics that explore themes of horror and depravity.
Released in 2000 through Music for Nations, ‘Midian’ is a concept album based on the works of horror author Clive Barker. The album features a mix of black metal and symphonic elements, with a focus on atmosphere and storytelling. The album received critical acclaim and is considered one of Cradle of Filth’s most successful albums.
‘Bitter Suites to Succubi,’ released in 2001 through Abracadaver, is an EP that features a mix of new and previously released material. The album features a more experimental sound, with a focus on atmosphere and experimentation. The album received mixed reviews from critics.
‘Damnation and a Day,’ released in 2003 through Sony Music, is a concept album based on the fall of Lucifer. The album features a mix of black metal and symphonic elements, with a focus on orchestral arrangements and storytelling. The album features guest appearances from the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Sarah Jezebel Deva.
Released in 2004 through Roadrunner Records, ‘Nymphetamine’ is a concept album that explores themes of love and obsession. The album features a more rock-oriented sound, with a focus on melody and hooks, while still maintaining Cradle of Filth’s gothic signature style. The album’s title track became a hit single, and the album received critical acclaim for its unique blend of styles.
‘Thornography,’ released in 2006 through Roadrunner Records, features a more modern sound, with elements of industrial and electronic music. The album’s themes explore sex, relationships, and addiction, and feature guest appearances from Ville Valo of HIM and Doug Bradley, who played Pinhead in the Hellraiser film series.
‘Godspeed on the Devil’s Thunder,’ released in 2008 through Roadrunner Records, is a concept album based on the life of French serial killer Gilles de Rais. The album features a mix of black metal and symphonic elements, with a focus on atmosphere and storytelling. The album received mixed reviews from critics.
‘Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa,’ released in 2010 through Peaceville Records, is a concept album based on the legend of the demon Lilith. The album features a mix of black metal and symphonic elements, with a focus on melody and hooks. The album received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its ambitious storytelling and unique sound.
‘The Manticore and Other Horrors,’ released in 2012 through Peaceville Records, features a more stripped-down sound, with a focus on raw aggression and simplicity. The album’s themes explore horror and the occult, and feature guest appearances from Sara Lindström and James McIlroy.
‘Hammer of the Witches,’ released in 2015 through Nuclear Blast Records, is a concept album that explores themes of witchcraft and persecution. The album features a more symphonic sound than previous releases, with a focus on atmosphere and storytelling. The album received positive reviews from critics and is considered one of Cradle of Filth’s best works in recent years.
‘Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness of Decay,’ released in 2017 through Nuclear Blast Records, is a concept album that explores themes of death and decay in Victorian England. The album features a mix of black metal and symphonic elements, with a focus on melody and hooks. The album received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its unique blend of styles and ambitious storytelling.
These albums further cemented the band’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands in the gothic black metal genre, and they helped to inspire a new generation of metal musicians. Nonetheless, these albums also showcased a more symphonic and melodic approach, with epic, cinematic arrangements and more elaborate song structures. The band’s lyrics also evolved, with a greater focus on horror, dark, macabre and gothic themes, as well as historical and mythological references.
In recent years, Cradle of Filth has continued to evolve their sound, incorporating elements of extreme metal, industrial metal, and even electronic music into their music. Their most recent album, ‘Existence Is Futile,’ is a masterful work of gothic metal that showcases the band’s unparalleled talent for blending brutal instrumentation with haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Released on October 22nd, 2021, the album features twelve tracks that span a wide range of themes, from the bleakness of human existence to the enduring power of love and hope.
Throughout the album, Cradle of Filth demonstrates their ability to blend different styles and influences into a cohesive and compelling sound, featuring elements of black metal, symphonic metal, and even prog rock, all seamlessly woven together into a sprawling epic that explores the futility of human existence. The album’s closing track, ‘Us, Dark, Invincible,’ is similarly ambitious, featuring a haunting spoken-word intro that sets the stage for a sprawling, seven-minute opus that explores the themes of death, rebirth, and transcendence.
Overall, ‘Existence Is Futile’ is a stunning achievement that showcases Cradle of Filth at the peak of their creative powers. The album’s blend of brutality and beauty, darkness and light, make it a must-listen for fans of gothic and extreme metal alike. With this release, Cradle of Filth has cemented their status as one of the most innovative and influential bands in the genre, and one can only wonder what dark, twisted wonders they will unleash on the world next.
Cradle of Filth’s discography is significant for its contributions to the gothic black metal genre and its influence on the broader metal scene. The band’s early albums, in particular, helped to define and popularize the gothic black metal sound, and they have been cited as major influences by countless metal musicians.
The band’s lyrical themes, which often touch on occultism, mythology, and horror, have also been a major part of their appeal. Their early albums, in particular, featured lyrics that were heavily inspired by the works of occult writers and horror novelists, and this helped to establish the band’s reputation as one of the most literary and intellectual metal bands of their time.
Cradle of Filth recently released a new track and accompanying music video for ‘She is a Fire,’ released on March 1st. ‘She is a Fire’ showcases Cradle of Filth’s signature gothic and symphonic metal sound, complete with lead singer Dani Filth’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. The music video takes fans on a journey through a dark and mysterious dangerous alike ambiance, featuring stunning visuals and captivating imagery. It perfectly captures the essence of the song, showcasing the band’s dark and enigmatic style.
Fans of Cradle of Filth have been eagerly anticipating the release of their new album and the chance to see the band perform live again. With their ‘Double Trouble Live’ tour and the promise of new music, Cradle of Filth has solidified their position as one of the most influential and innovative bands in the extreme metal genre. So mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready to experience the dark and fiery world of Cradle of Filth.
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