Cradle Of Filth | The Screaming Of The Valkyries | Napalm Records

 

Cradle Of Filth, formed in Suffolk, England in 1991, emerged from the early 1990s black metal movement but quickly carved a unique identity with a theatrical and gothic-infused take on extreme metal. Led by the ever-recognizable Dani Filth, the band became known for its elaborate lyricism, layered orchestration, and dramatic stage presence. Their early works such as “The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh” (1994), “Dusk And Her Embrace” (1996), and “Cruelty And The Beast” (1998), became defining releases in the blackened gothic metal sphere. Over three decades, the group has shifted lineups and flirted with symphonic, thrash, and melodic elements, maintaining relevance across different eras while courting controversy and cult-like loyalty. As of 2025, Cradle Of Filth remains one of the most instantly recognizable and enduring names in extreme metal.

"The Screaming Of The Valkyries" finds Cradle Of Filth pressing forward while drawing heavily from their own haunted past. The production by Scott Atkins is heavy and atmospheric without sounding overworked. The performances are locked in—the dual guitar attack of Ashok and Donny Burbage carries both ferocity and finesse, while Zoe Federoff's keyboards and vocals bring a dynamic balance of melody and darkness.

Dani Filth's vocals are definite, ranging from his banshee wails to guttural snarls, still sharp after decades of stylistic evolution. The album’s tone jumps between high-speed aggression, brooding gothic swells, and mid-tempo heavy metal passages. Some moments lean into pure blackened energy, others echo the melodic sorrow of doom-tinged metal, and occasionally, more traditional heavy metal tropes surface without feeling out of place.

Tracks such as "To Live Deliciously" and "Ex Sanguine Draculae" stir memories of their mid-to-late 90s sound, while "White Hellebore" and "You Are My Nautilus" reflect a simpler, more direct songwriting approach without losing theatrical flair. The album feels self-contained yet familiar, never veering too far from what longtime listeners would expect.

While the record draws from many eras of Cradle Of Filth's past, it does not feel trapped by them. There’s an unmistakable sense of continuity and control here. No single member dominates the mix; instead, the band operates as a unit, crafting songs that are compact but still layered. The album flows well, never sagging under its own ambition, and avoids overindulgence that sometimes haunted past works.

"The Screaming Of The Valkyries" does not attempt to reshape the band’s legacy. Instead, it affirms their place in modern extreme metal with confidence and purpose. It’s an album built for fans, both old and new, and a testament to endurance in a genre that rarely forgives stagnation. A strong, cohesive entry in the band’s long career that balances familiarity with just enough progression to stay relevant.

Score: 8/10