CRADLE OF FILTH

Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder

Roadrunner Records/ CD

The best, most creatively fruitful period in history of CRADLE OF FILTH was definitely the second half of the 90's. Emerging from darkness with such great, bloodcurdling concept albums as „Dusk And Her Embrace” and „Cruelty And The Beast” vampires from Suffolk not only established themselves as the most original act from the UK, but also set new, high standards in dark extreme music. It was like a beginning of a new era. Then no one discussed who should sit on the throne of symfo- black metal kingdom. The claimant was the only one and his name was, of course- CRADLE OF FILTH.

Then something went wrong, unfortunately. Although business- wise they were doing better and better, the quality of their art was gradually deteriorated. Within the space of a few years CRADLE OF FILTH from one of the most exceptional, dark and brutal bands on this planet transformed into an act perfect for- I would say- mass- consumption. Catchy choruses, melodic riffing, lack of aggression, it had particularly dramatic effects on „Nymphetamine” album from 2004 and also on its successor- „Thornography” released in 2006. I'm not the only person who wants to puke at the mere mention of those albums, I guess. Not the only one slowly losing his faith in CRADLE OF FILTH. Then I got "Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder."

What can I say? My jaw is lying on the ground, the brain is boiling and the eyes went to the front. This is undoubtedly the best record CRADLE OF FILTH have done since "Cruelty And The Beast." Perfectly produced. Awfully strong musically. Full of that really dark, disturbing atmosphere that I've personally missed sooo much. Tight and brutal yet still melodic, catchy and epic. The songs are based on direct, brutal riffing perfectly combined with orchestral ornaments and choir parts appearing here and there. New band's drummer Martin Skaroupka also did simply a great job, his rhythmical discipline and confidence blended with a lot of great ideas is definitely one of the strongest points of this album. And finally, Dani's insane screaming plus demonic recitations of Sarah Jezebel Deva and Doug Bradley. Thanks to their superb parts the concept story of Gilles de Rais, a wealthy French nobleman who was known as a prolific serial killer, an aspiring alchemist, accused of a panoply of crimes (among them heresy, demonology and kidnapping) is even more dark and terrifying. Ladies and Gentleman, no doubt- CRADLE OF FILTH are back, strong as f**k!

11/12