Thornography is the 7^th full-length studio album from Cradle Of Filth, led by the inimitable Dani Filth. 

I ought to start by saying that I find it difficult to be impartial and objective when reviewing an album such as this because I simply cannot get on with this type of vocal style. 

Musically I really quite like Cradle Of Filth and I love the whole horror genre which inspires them so greatly.  The intro to the opening track is a classic horror soundtrack in the making and if you just take out the vocals, the rest of the track is excellently crafted too. 

When Filth moves away from the growling and unintelligible vocal style, such as on “The Byronic Man”, the overall quality of the song is enhanced no end for my taste and when coupled with the quality musicianship and, at times, downright catchy hooks, I am personally left with the impression that Cradle Of Filth could be so much more than I feel they are. 

A few points worthy of mention are that this album contains Cradle Of Filth’s first-ever instrumental, “Rise Of The Pentagram”, preceded by a cleverly-worded spoken-word verse; that there’s a guest appearance by Ville Valo of HIM on “The Byronic Man”; and finally that there’s one of the weirdest cover versions of any song I’ve ever heard – “Temptation” by Heaven 17 – which just has to be heard to be believed !! 

I guess the vocals on all albums in this genre are a polarising issue…you either love ‘em or loathe ‘em, and it’s very difficult not to have one of these extreme opinions, as they are so influential in defining the overall sound. 

Existing Cradle Of Filth fans will, I am sure, absolutely love this album and there is no question it is an excellent example of the more extreme metal around today.  To have lasted so long (the debut was released back in 1994) pays testament to their undoubted quality and the strength of their enormous fanbase, so they must be doing something right, even if this particular reviewer doesn’t quite get it.  But that’s fair enough, no band appeals to everyone and the fact that I don’t like it means nothing to the thousands who do.  If you love Death Metal, then go out and buy this…you will not be disappointed.

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Track List

Under Pregnant Skies She Comes Alive Like Miss Leviathan
Dirge Inferno
Tonight in Flames
Libertina grimm
Byronic Man
I Am The Thorn
Cemetery And Sundown
Lovesick For Mina
The Foetus Of A New Day Kicking
Rise Of The Pentagram
Under Huntress Moon
Temptation

Line Up

Dani - Vocals
Paul - Guitars
Charles - Guitars
David - Bass
Adrian - Drums