This is a review of another recording from Cradle Of Filth which shows the music going into more of a gothic black metal direction and the album was originally released in 1998 and called "Cruelty And The Beast" and the re-issued and re-mastered version will be released in November of 2019 by Music For Nations.
Atmospheric sounding synths start off the album and also mix in with the heavier sections of the music at times as well as having its symphonic moments and also bringing in the haunting atmosphere of a horror movie soundtrack. When the music speeds up a decent amount of blast beats and tremolo picking can be heard.
Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams along with some operatic female vocals and growls also being utilized at times. The riffs also add in a decent amount of melody along with some spoken word parts also being added into some parts of the music and the solos and leads are also done in a very melodic style.
Most of the tracks are the tracks are very long and epic in length along with a couple of the tracks being instrumentals. Elements of gothic metal are also utilized quite a bit throughout the recording and they close the album with a cover of Iron Maiden's "Hallowed Be Thy Name". The production sounds very professional while the lyrics are a concept album based upon Elizabeth Bathory.
In my opinion this was another great sounding recording form Cradle Of Filth and if you are a fan of this band, you should check out this re-issue. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Thirteen Autumns And A Widow" "The Twisted Nails Of Faith" and "Portrait Of A Dead Countess". 8 out of 10.