Cradle Of Filth | The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh | Darkness Shall Rise Productions

    Cradle Of Filth formed in Suffolk, England, in 1991. Their early years were marked by a series of demos and shifting lineups, but by 1994, the band released their debut, “The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh.” Blending early black metal with elements of gothic, symphonic, and theatrical flair, they quickly carved out a unique place in the European underground. Fronted by the unmistakable presence of Dani Filth, the band would evolve considerably over the years, but this first full-length still stands as a defining statement in their long discography.

“The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh” is more than just a debut—it’s a cornerstone in the evolution of British extreme metal. When it landed in 1994 via Cacophonous Records, it caused a tremor in the European black metal movement. While rooted in the grim aesthetic of the early ’90s scene, Cradle Of Filth added Victorian elegance, literary references, and gothic romance to the mix—ideas that weren’t common at the time.

It remains the only full-length by the band embraced as "true black metal" by some traditionalists. Its mythic status comes not only from its sound but also from its image, lyrical content, and underground credibility. The original production was raw and haunting, whether by choice or necessity.

Now, three decades later, Darkness Shall Rise Productions has treated this classic with the respect it deserves. The 2025 reissue is not just a reprint—it’s a preservation effort. Patrick W. Engel's remastering from the original 1993 DAT tapes is meticulous and historically conscious. The dynamics are kept intact, the rough textures remain, but there’s a new depth that brings out the strength of the arrangements. Offered in multiple formats—including digibook CD, MC, vinyl, and picture LP—this reissue is an important event for longtime fans and a perfect starting point for new listeners.

This album is theatrical, poetic, and occult-driven without abandoning the core rawness of black metal. With keyboards weaving between riffs, female vocals adding ghostly touches, and lyrics drenched in esoteric imagery, it’s unlike any other debut from that time.

Dani Filth’s voice is harsher and more ragged here compared to later works. The guitars of Paul Allender and Paul Ryan strike a balance between traditional black metal tremolo picking and melodic phrases. The drumming by Nick Barker adds weight and precision, even under layers of reverb. Benjamin Ryan’s keyboards are a defining element, helping to create a sense of haunted grandeur.

The album leans heavily on mythology, feminine archetypes, and blasphemous romanticism. Though sometimes chaotic, that chaos contributes to its charm and raw energy. It’s neither pure second-wave black metal nor gothic metal—it’s a collision of both.

Track-by-Track:

I. Darkness Our Bride (Jugular Wedding) – 2:00

A ceremonial introduction. Organ tones, whispers, and ritualistic chants prepare the listener for the themes ahead.

II. The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh – 4:34

Fast and aggressive, this title track establishes the album’s twisted elegance. The riffs are sharp and relentless, broken by atmospheric interludes.

III. The Forest Whispers My Name – 5:06

One of the most memorable songs and an all-time classic anthem. Balances dark romanticism and fury with haunting lyrics about nature and death.

IV. Iscariot – 2:33

An instrumental that evokes a cinematic scene. Brief and chilling, it acts as a pause before the next onslaught.

V. The Black Goddess Rises – 6:48

A fan favorite. Evokes ancient rites, with female divinity at its core. Long and dramatic, shifting between tempos.

VI. One Final Graven Kiss – 2:15

A short interlude with cello, keyboards, and subtle percussion. Gothic and sorrowful, it sets up the next act.

VII. A Crescendo Of Passion Bleeding – 5:30

One of the most violent tracks, yet it's strangely poetic. Lyrics about betrayal, lust, and martyrdom.

VIII. To Eve The Art Of Witchcraft – 5:28

A tribute to the feminine archetype of rebellion. Strong blackened riffs, ghostly keyboards, and eerie backing vocals.

IX. Of Mist And Midnight Skies – 8:10

The longest song. A slow, atmospheric beginning opens into a relentless cascade of riffs and ritualistic rhythms. A dark journey.

X. In Secret Love We Drown – 1:29

A ghostlike interlude. The calm before the final storm.

XI. A Dream Of Wolves In The Snow – 2:10

Features guest vocals by Darren White (Anathema). A cold, poetic track, brief but effective.

XII. Summer Dying Fast – 5:39

An aggressive closer and diachronic anthem. There’s urgency in the riffing and a sense of collapse. A fitting end to a dark tale.

XIII. Imperium Tenebrarum (Hidden Track) – 0:49

This outro delivers a spoken manifesto with venom and certainty. Rather than fading quietly, the album closes with a call to arms.

The DSR digibook CD version is luxurious and well-researched. It includes a thick 20-page booklet, new liner notes by Olivier ‘Zoltar’ Badin, rare photos, and a visual presentation that respects the album's origin. This is the definitive version to own, both in terms of sound and visuals.

Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this reissue of “The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh” is an important release in the history of extreme music. It preserves the rawness and romanticism that made it stand apart in 1994, and it does so with care, respect, and sonic authenticity.

Score: 9.0