Cradle Of Filth
Nymphetamine

THE REVIEW

Cradle Of Filth are probably one of the most talked-about Heavy Metal bands in history. Starting with their musical proposal: Black Metal purists do not like to label the band's music with this name, as CoF make extensive use of keyboards and synthesizers. Another source of much discussion is the unique voice of Dani Filth, frontman and singer of the band, whose singing style makes many people frown. But, aside from all this, we must acknowledge the English band’s ability to write songs that are never banal or predictable, but original and elaborate, drawing heavily from classical music and with a hint of progressive elements in almost all their songs.
I must admit, however, that faced with this latest CD, I approached it with a certain skepticism, motivated by their recent releases which did not always meet my expectations.

A year after the "lukewarm" Damnation And A Day, Cradle Of Filth release this Nymphetamine for Roadrunner, and indeed the switch from Sony to the latter label is noticeable: the sound, all things considered, is of excellent quality, well-cared-for and (quite) crystalline. As for the musical proposal of the six English vampires, Nymphetamine differs quite a bit from what was done on the previous full-length. In fact, while in Damnation And A Day we had greater use of choirs and orchestras, this latest album is more metal-oriented, giving more room to guitars while keyboards only play an accompanying role or serve as an interlude within the same track. This new characteristic doesn’t bother me, quite the contrary, but I think that by now Cradle have somewhat lost their original path; in my opinion, that magical, dark, esoteric sound is missing, but also that so sick sound that has influenced many current black metal bands.

But let's leave aside the (painful) memories: Nymphetamine, however, boasts great songs. Starting with "Absinthe With Faust", an amazing gothic-rock song with Moonspell-like influences and deep Maiden references in the harmonies. "Nemesis" and "Gabrielle" are quite similar, invoking the glorious past of the Anglo-Saxon group, made up of decadent and dark atmospheres. And how can we not mention the beautiful, elegant, dreamy, melancholic, decadent title track: "Nymphetamine (Overdose)"!!! Nine minutes of pure enjoyment, featuring in the central break the collaboration of Liv Kristine, with her so alluring yet bright and powerful voice: it will bring tears to your eyes. More intense and thrashy are "Gilded Cunt", "Filthy Little Secret", and "Swansong For A Raven", the latter characterized by a truly chilling break. The album concludes with one of my favorite tracks, "Mother Of Abominations", a song that brings to mind the magnificent Emperor.
The lyrics are evocative and well-thought-out (as usual), centered around the concept of the union between Nymphette and Amphetamine, that is, the close relationship between sex and drugs, embodied by the majestic figure of the Goddess Nymphetamine.

In conclusion, this new CD by Cradle Of Filth was not a complete disappointment: Nymphetamine has many arrows in its quiver and might even appeal to those who do not thoroughly know Dani and Co.'s band. We are light-years away from the splendor of The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh or Dusk And Her Embrace, but perhaps that’s for the best: Cradle Of Filth have the ability to make each album different from the last, which is quite rare for a band, so who knows what the future holds.