Cradle Of Filth | Dusk And Her Embrace - The Original Sin | Darkness Shall Rise Productions

 

    Cradle Of Filth is an English extreme metal band formed in Suffolk in 1991. Known for combining elements of black metal, gothic horror, and symphonic metal, the band built its identity around dramatic theatricality, poetic lyrics, and vivid dark imagery. Fronted by the ever-present Dani Filth, their early years were marked by raw sound and controversy before evolving into one of the most recognizable names in extreme metal. They released influential albums like “The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh,” “Dusk And Her Embrace,” and “Cruelty And The Beast,” leaving a lasting mark on the symphonic black metal landscape.

“Dusk And Her Embrace—The Original Sin” is the long-lost 1995 version of Cradle Of Filth’s second album, which was finally released in 2016 by Cacophonous Records. Originally shelved due to legal disputes with the label, this earlier version was recorded with a different lineup and carries a noticeably different tone compared to the 1996 release that followed on Music For Nations.

This version of “Dusk…” is rawer and more aggressive, closer in style to their debut, “The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh.” The production is thinner and less layered, and the female vocals are more understated. The orchestral and keyboard elements are simpler, giving the album a colder and more stripped-down feel. Dani Filth’s vocals are also more feral and less refined. Despite these differences, the songwriting quality is still strong, and it provides a unique insight into a turning point in Cradle Of Filth’s evolution.

It is their best release after “Cruelty And The Beast,” especially among longtime fans (count me in) who value its historical context and raw charm.

Differences Between the Two Versions

• Recording Time & Lineup: The original version was recorded in spring 1995, shortly after “The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh,” with a mostly unchanged lineup: Paul Allender, Paul Ryan, Benjamin Ryan, Jon Kennedy, and Nick Barker. The 1996 version was re-recorded with a nearly different band, adding Robin Graves and Gian Pyres.
• Label and legal issues: The original was intended for Cacophonous Records, but legal battles prevented its release. Instead, the band released the “V Empire” EP to fulfill their contract and then moved to Music For Nations.
• Sound and Production: “The Original Sin” is rawer and more direct. The 1996 version is richer and more atmospheric, thanks to producer Kit Woolven. Orchestral elements and female vocals are more elaborate in the re-recorded version.
• Tracklist Differences:
• “Macabre, This Banquet” and “Carmilla’s Masque” appear only in the original.
• “Malice Through The Looking Glass” is exclusive to the 1996 version.
• “Nocturnal Supremacy” appears in its full form here; in the re-recorded era, it was placed on “V Empire.”
• Vocals and Atmosphere: Dani’s performance on the 1995 version is more primal. The tone of the album feels more underground, with a harsher edge and less theatricality.
• Packaging Trivia: The 1996 release contained multiple versions of the album title in different parts of the artwork and booklet, causing years of confusion. “The Original Sin” clears this up by using the initial intended presentation.

Track by Track:

1. Macabre, This Banquet – 1:33
   A short instrumental opener with gothic organs. It sets a dramatic entry, similar in spirit to the intros of their early work.
2. Nocturnal Supremacy – 6:03
   A fast and aggressive track. Features blast beats, sharp riffs, and a strong sense of urgency. It's simpler than the V Empire version but just as intense.
3. Heaven Torn Asunder – 6:55
   Powerful and direct. The song builds in waves, combining tremolo guitars with classic black metal sections. A clear bridge between the debut and the direction taken later.
4. Dusk... And Her Embrace – 6:13
   Haunting and cold. This early version is more stripped-down, but the gothic melodies and dark atmosphere remain intact. Dani's screams cut through sharply.
5. A Gothic Romance – 8:45
   Long, theatrical, and filled with shifts in tempo. This early version has a more straightforward structure and less layering but retains the dark fairy tale quality.
6. The Graveyard By Moonlight – 2:02
   Short instrumental interlude. It’s minimal and eerie, working well as a break between heavier tracks.
7. Funeral In Carpathia – 8:20
   One of the album’s highlights. The 1995 version leans more on traditional black metal pacing, less symphonic but still dramatic and epic.
8. Beauty Slept In Sodom – 6:35
   Dark and theatrical. It’s a slower, brooding song. The early version features more basic keyboard arrangements and a very raw vocal delivery.
9. The Haunted Shores Of Avalon – 7:11
   A rare track not on the 1996 release. Features guest vocals from Cronos, Steve Grimmett (R.I.P.) and eerie choral parts. One of the most atmospheric and ambitious songs on the album.
10. Carmilla's Masque – 2:59
    Instrumental outro. Simple and melodic, it serves as a graceful exit, replacing “Haunted Shores” from the 1996 release.
11. A Gothic Romance (Demo Version) – 8:25
    An even earlier take. Slightly more chaotic, with rougher transitions and lower production quality. Interesting for historical context.
12. Nocturnal Supremacy (Demo Version) – 6:15
    Raw and untamed. It shows the structure of the final song but with looser playing and more aggressive vocals.

Now in 2025, Darkness Shall Rise Productions reissued this historical recording with new mastering by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony, bringing a sharper edge to the original material. Presented in a deluxe hardcover digibook CD edition with a 24-page booklet and fresh liner notes by Olivier ‘Zoltar’ Badin, this reissue marks the first time the release is also available on limited edition picture disc and cassette, as well as LP in three collectible vinyl variants.

“Dusk And Her Embrace—The Original Sin” isn’t just a curiosity or fan-exclusive release. It is a crucial part of Cradle Of Filth’s history. While the 1996 version is generally tighter, grander, and more refined, this earlier take shows where the band was creatively in 1995—aggressive, imaginative, and caught in a transitional moment.

The album also bridges the gap between “The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh” and the more theatrical “Cruelty And The Beast,” making it essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the full evolution of Cradle Of Filth. It may not replace the 1996 album in importance, but it certainly stands beside it as a meaningful and powerful release.

Score: 10