Cradle Of Filth : Bitter Suites To Succubi
Cradle of Filth is a band that keeps putting out new material and never seems to let me down. Just last year they came out with their ground breaking "Midian" album that sure turned a lot of heads, and now they are back with their new e.p., "Bitter Suites to Succubi," featuring 6 new songs, a cover song, and three re-recorded songs. Being a rather big fan of theirs I new I would love the new album. With each COF record you can tell that they have evolved one way or another from they're past releases. From their Principle of Evil Made Flesh album all the way up to Bitter Suites, Cradle of Filth has grown, musically, lyrically, and has even gotten a lot heavier. Despite their numerous line-up changes and label departures they still remain true to their roots and heavier then ever. The thing about COF that I like so much is that each one of their albums is a masterpiece in one way or another. Every one of their albums has something new to offer that you didn't hear on their previous albums. That is what makes a successful band. So lets see what Dani and crew have to offer:
The album opens up in true Cradle of Filth style. A spooky intro that is sure to give the creeps. Although not as strong as "At The Gates of Midian," it is special in its own way and sets the tune for the rest of album; dark and evil. The next song is a new song titled All Hope In Eclipse. This song really shows how much COF has matured and grown musically. The song opens up with and eerie sort of funeral feel to it. The keyboards really work well in this song to bring a darker and more evil sound. Dani sounds great on this tune, his opening vocal lines sound like it's the devil himself singing. The intro of the song builds up into a great guitar riff that seems to carry the song well. This is what I am talking about, saying they've growing musically. Their songs are based more around heavy and strong guitar riffs rather then keyboard and guitar melodies. The next song is another new tune that is their current single, "Born in A Burial Gown." With a song title like that how could you go wrong? Simple, you couldn't. This song is one of the heaviest songs Cradle of Filth has ever written and certainly is highlight on the album. Once again the song opens up with a scary keyboard intro. I really like how the keyboards are used in Cradle of Filth. They bring the evil and dark element into the music, which is a huge plus.
The first of three re-recorded tracks is up next. "Summer Dying Fast" was is one of my favorite Cradle of Filth songs so when I heard they were re-recording it, it made very anxious to hear it. I now know why this is one of the best Cradle songs; the evil riffing, spooky keyboards, and plain sick ghoulish vocals. This right here is the reason to buy this cd. Not that the other songs are bad which they aren't. Each song is special in its own way but this song totally dominates the album in my opinion. The song opens up with Adrian pounding away at those drums which lead directly into a ferocious blast beat, and then into one of the best riffs cradle have ever written. Next song up is a Sisters of Mercy cover titled, "No Time To Cry." I haven't heard the original version of this song but it sounds like it would kick ass, just as this version of it does. Cradle of Filth always seem to cover songs well. I was very impressed with their cover of Iron Maidens "Hallowed Be Thy Name," and of course their destructive version of "Hell Awaits." As with those songs they do this one quite well, another highlight of the album for me. No need to introduce the next track. "The Principle of Evil Made Flesh." You thought it was good back in 94', this version erupts. Proceed with caution. That's all I will say about this track, you truly need to listen to this chaos for yourself. I can't even describe it.
Next up is another new song with an awesome title, "Suicide and Other Comforts." I believe this song is the strongest song out of the new ones they wrote both lyrically and musically.. This is nothing like Cradle of Filth has ever written before. It's very unique and different in its own way. The song starts out with and awesome intro. The keyboards and drums establish an awesome groove for Dani to sing over. The song then kicks into an awesome Chorus followed by eerie keyboard melodies and guitar riffs. The strongest line in this song is "Suicide is a Tried and Tested Formula For Release" which Dani says throughout the song with such strength. We finally get a breather from all this chaos and madness on the eighth track, "Dinner at Deviants Palace." This is sort of an intermission on the album, a nice three minute keyboard instrumental that gives a whole new meaning to scary. Play this song with your lights off and you will swear you're in hell. After the breather , COF launch into another re-recorded song, "The Black Goddess Rises II." This song didn't really do anything for me the first time around. Not that it's a bad song but it just didn't move me like other COF songs have. With that in mind, the re-recorded version really didn't have anything special in it for me that I thought was noticeable. Cradle decides to end the album with another new song, this time its "Scorched Earth Erotica." The keyboard melody over the opening guitar riff is godly. Much praise to Martin for writing such a great melody line. This song comes at you full throttle in true Cradle of Filth form. This song has great drumming on Adrian's part and a really strong chorus. The chanting in the chorus will sure go over well in a live situation.
So is this worth your time?? As with any Cradle of Filth record, this is an epic release. Each of their releases has something new to offer to me and "Bitter Suites to Succubi" also succeeded in my mind. Cradle of Filth will still continue to be one of my favorite bands and one of the best extreme metal bands out there. Their new songs prove Cradle of Filth isn't going anywhere and that they still have much more to accomplish. After listening to Bitter Suites to Succubi I am already ready for a new release. I truly cannot wait to hear what they will come up with next as I know that I will enjoy it. With that being said, pick this cd up. |
