Cradle Of Filth – Thornography
It's hard to believe Cradle Of Filth have been kicking around for the better part of fifteen years. In that time they've toured with some of the most infamous metal bands notably the late At The Gates and recently reformed Emperor and have become recognised as the one of the most successful if not one the biggest black metal bands in the world.
After the worldwide success of last album Grammy nominated Nyphetamine, Cradle Of Filth return with their seventh full length release and second album Thornogrpahy on their new home of metal Mecca Roadrunner Records. Again the band has enlisted the production skills of one half the duo Scarp 60 and Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano. Whilst legendary metal producer Andy Sneap (Arch Enemy, Trivium, Machine Head), lends his skills to the mixing desk.
In true Cradle-style, the album opens with an intro track worthy of sending chills down the spine in the form of 'Under Pregnant Skies She Comes Alive Like Miss Leviathan'. Operatic vocals and a symphonic atmosphere set the perfect scene for the proverbial horror film that is a Cradle Of Filth album. Then Thornography rises up from the dead and kicks into action with 'Dirge Inferno'. Frontman Dani Filth is on top form showing his extraordinary vocals whilst former At The Gates drummer Adrian Erlandsson shows his sheer prowess over the skins.
'Tonight In Flames' is a textured track featuring sinister samples, a ghostly interlude and some impressive guitar runs from six stringers Charles Hedger and Paul Allender. In fact despite the strong presence of Dani Filth, the guitarists manage to hold their own creating some brutal riffage. A first of the band is the epic seven minute instrumental 'Rise Of The Pentagram' that sees Cradle Of Filth showing their progressive side.
As with any black metal album the subject matter is as dark as raven's wing. If 'Lovesick for Mina' and 'Cemetery and Gundown' are to go its pretty clear what is influencing this album. As with the later Cradle albums there is an air of gothic decadence that gives the album more character which is enhanced the superb album production.
Whilst being highly technical and polished Thornography is evil in its rawest form. Without a doubt one the strongest metal releases of the year.