Artist: Cradle of Filth
Title: Godspeed on the Devil’s Thunder
Label: Roadrunner
Score: 3 ½ / 5
Another concept album from these English metal extremists is more bizarre than expected. Based around the demise of a convicted 15th century French war hero, this is a disturbingly vile selection of depravity that borders on celebrating sickness. However, the depth of involved production that includes choirs, orchestras and death metal blast beats alongside powered riffage and shrieking vocals is something of a masterstroke in chillingly harsh delivery. Adding a horror icon reciting alleged trial transcripts only adds to the unnerving atmosphere.
Tales of sorcery and dismemberment orgies that lead to poetic, guilt ridden fears of purgatory show the protagonist’s manipulative streak Graphic lyrics are spat out creating intense gothic imagery whilst straight thrash and death metal based gated riffs reinforce snare drum butchering. Guitar solos are brief yet fluid with speed runs, harmonies and emotive, sustained notes. All up, it is a dissonant, guttural and languishing metal opera that is a very impressive piece of artistic work.