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Cradle of Filth > Damnation and a Day > Reviews > DSOfan97
Cradle of Filth - Damnation and a Day

End of days. - 72%

DSOfan97, February 27th, 2016

The mark of the 'extreme' metal genre was imprinted on the Britons during their 'Damnation and a Day'-'Nymphetamine' era and it is a damn shame because at least one of these albums (this one) had some potential. The problem is that the conceptual music of Cradle of Filth used to be somewhat dangerous for those who were unfamiliar with band and then, just like that it became poppy. I don't know if it's all about the marketing aspect of the whole thing but the terror is gone. The sheer horror of 'Dusk and Her Embrace' and 'Cruelty and the Beast' is gone.

Dani has stated that one of the albums that influenced Cradle of Filth's music is Iron Maiden's 'Powerslave' and it is easy to see where he's coming from. The melodious sides of Cradle of Filth resemble what Maiden did back in the 80's albeit not in such a glorious manner and this might as well be one of the reasons that I started listening to Cradle of Filth in my early-mid teens. However, if you are to be influenced by Dickinson, Harris and co. just finish the fucking thing! I miss the double leads and the crescendos. All I get is the storytelling structure of each track and the galloping guitar sound. Each track has its own leitmotif and that's probably it. Okay I'm being a dick... There are good elements here and there and obviously some songs are really good. But is 'Babalon A.D. (So Glad for the Madness)' and 'Mannequin' enough? Well they are in some way. Be it a riff off of a random track in the middle of the record or those songs which are my eternal favorites, I find much enjoyment in this album's content. The reason I seem to be hating it is that it didn't live up to my expectations in contrast to their four first full-length albums.

This album is said to be the last of the greats and I completely agree. The instrumentation works, Dani is still in form and the atmosphere is overwhelming. People also say that they found their good shape again in their latest album. I don't know about that but I hope it's true. Anyway, Cradle of Filth released their sixth full-length in 2004 and that's where the real downfall began. That's where the barbaric blasts and rampant guitar riffs ceased to exist and a new pseudo-goth aesthetic was introduced. 'Damnation and a Day' is the end of an era and should be regarded as such. I respect it a lot even if I do not like it as much as the previous records. But between the thick lines of heavy riffage, robust rhythm sections, terrifying keyboard sounds and Dani's hissing voice one can still see Cradle of Filth as they were in their best days. A bunch of young men playing music because THEY and not their record company want to do so.

Favorite tracks: 'Carrion', 'Babalon A.D. (So Glad for the Madness)', 'Mannequin'.

72/100.