Album Review: Cradle Of Filth, The Screaming Of The Valkyries

Written By Justin Bauer, OOTB Publications

The 14th studio album from Cradle of Filth is titled The Screaming of the Valkyries and it’s a prime example of this act delivering on what they do best.

From the urgency of galloping kicks that transition to punishing blast beats on the opening track, “To Live Deliciously,” to the relentless speed of “When Misery Was A Stranger,” this record further cements the reason why Cradle of Filth is considered a pillar of black metal. The music is as inviting and catchy as it is abrasive.

“White Hellebore,” “Malignant Perfection,” and “Non Omnis Moriar” showcase the vocal addition of Zoe Federoff, which adds a melodic element I only wish were more abundant. With a catalog that goes back to the ‘90s, this addition fits in with what attracted fans to their early work.

Cradle of Filth continues to be a black metal machine that blends their hardest moments with catchy theatrical motifs that range from straightforward keyboards to atmospheric backgrounds, flawlessly.

Those moments are a defining trait, as I feel transported to another time and place or a film that highlights the darkest part of the middle ages. With a style that is backed up with substance, I’m excited to keep this album in rotation.

With drums that hit as hard as anything, and guitars that pack a rhythmic punch and shine with impressive leads, the foundation is set for Dani Filth’s vocals—the growls juxtaposed with screams becomes the sound most authentically passing for a demon.

The Screaming of the Valkyries is pure fun for fans of the genre, and is exactly what I want when I put on Cradle of Filth. It drops on Friday, the 21st from Napalm Records, and is worth a spin. It was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Scott Atkins.

Pre-Order Album

https://napalmrecordsamerica.com/cradleoffilth

Tour Dates

https://www.cradleoffilth.com/tour

Cradle of Filth is:

Dani Filth-vocals

Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka-drums

Daniel Firth-bass

Marek “Ashok” Smerda-guitars

Donny Burbage-guitars

Zoe Federoff-keyboards and vocals

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