Anyone that knows anything about Cradle of Filth knows that they are only for those who have developed a taste for hard music. From their earliest releases up until Damnation and a Day, the Cradle has seen a number of members come and go. Although lacking an extra guitarist, they have managed to create a new album filled with classic Cradle music. Some may say that since their CD Cruelty and the Beast, they have developed an overproduced sound and become sellouts. On the contrary they have only become more popular while still lurking in the shadows.

Damnation and a Day is Cradle of Filth’s first concept album among other things. Not only is DAAD based off of Jon Milton’s book Paradise Lost, but this is the first CD with the full Budapest orchestra and choir. Another interesting addition is the Eastern instruments on “Doberman Pharaoh” to give it an Egyptian sound fitting for the title. Some people may not like the organization on their new releases and call them sellouts, but it makes the lyrics and the instruments more defined and clearer; rather than a combination of random noises. For those who like older Cradle of Filth, the first act (out of four) is most like their older work. The first act is my least favorite. The drums are way too “repetitive death metal” sounding and way too uncontrolled. However, the rest of the album is well crafted and worthy of being called black metal.
 
The 2003 Ozzfest will be home to Cradle of Filth, as they headline and defile the second stage. People seemingly have flocked to them, unlike most people thinking they went soft and catering to their fans. To be more precise they have changed their sound to make it more melodic and symphonic; not to sell out. Some have likened Cradle of Filth to playing the soundtrack to scariest horror movie never made. This is a good definition of the Cradle, but they also incorporate a lot of screaming and distorted guitars. Unlike the typical heavy metal band that everyone thinks of when they her someone talk about it, Cradle of Filth are quite the contrary. Although they are definitely metal, they incorporate other genres into their music. Their earlier albums sounded repetitious and boring but somewhere along the line they decided to add melody and harmony. Most songs utilize keyboards, organs, and chorus-like singing to create a dark melody few have been able to successfully copy. On every CD there is at least one instrumental track filled with mood setting sounds and instruments. I feel this is what gives Cradle of Filth their popularity. They integrate a hard metal sound with creepy instrumental music; which corresponds with Dani Filth’s voice and the lyrical content.

Cradle of Filth is not for the weak of heart. They are definitely an acquired taste, but they taste good. The best example of new Cradle of Filth would be the track three in the first act, Hurt and Virtue. It illustrates the average speed, heaviness, and overall sound of the band. People liken Dani’s voice to a goblin’s. It also happens to be one of my favorite tracks on Damnation and a Day. This track is as calm as Cradle of Filth gets. Anything earlier than their 1998 release Cruelty and the Beast is more chaotic and frenzied. Which isn’t always a bad thing. Damnation and a Day is their first concept album, focused around the mammoth story that John Milton wrote; Paradise Lost, as well as the writings of The Marquis DeSade. Although some of the lyrics are confusing, they certainly leave something to say about the composer.

As I stated before, Cradle of Filth are for those people who have experience in metal music and are looking for something different than the ordinary. If someone new to this band is looking to purchase a CD to see if they like them, I suggest Midian. It is right before the band made another one of their numerous label and member changes. The music is excellently crafted with the help of the Budapest Film Orchestra and Choir. While the lyrics are hard to understand, you can definitely tell that something is being said; unlike their earlier recordings. Why listen to something that you can’t understand? Its heavy metal! However, at times I have a problem with the lyrical content, but as a responsible listener I can handle it. Overall I give Damnation and a Day three and a half planets.


Track Listing:
01 A Bruise Upon the Silent Moon
02 The Promise of Fever
03 Hurt and Virtue
04 An Enemy Led the Tempest
05 Damned in Any Language
06 Better to Reign in Hell
07 Serpent Tongue
08 Carrion
09 The Mordant Liquor of Tears
10 Presents form the Poison Hearted
11 Doberman Pharaoh
12 Babalon A.D
13 A Scarlet Witch Lit the Season
14 Mannequin
15 Thank God for the Suffering
16 The Smoke of Her Burning
17 End of Daze

Jameson Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Planets


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