Review Summary: A classic within the symphonic black metal genre
Cradle of Filth is a band that people always tend to write off. Sure, nowadays they're one of the most well known metal bands around, really breaking into the mainstream with 2003's
Damnation and a Day and continuing until today in 2015. If you're a person that got into the band after 2004 or so, you might not know the whole story of how the band came to be.
Dani and crew released their debut
The Principle of Evil Made Flesh in 1994 and at that time it was one of the most unique black metal albums around and the first to really introduce gothic elements to the genre. However it was with 1996's
Dusk and Her Embrace that they really developed their gothic/symphonic black metal sound into perfection on record. The atmosphere is very medieval and makes you feel like you're right smack dab in the middle of a Dracula flick. The keyboards aren't overbearing or overproduced and add just the right amount of creepiness to the album. Gian and Stuart tear it up with dual harmonies throughout the album, most notably on the title track. The legendary Nick Barker is the man behind the drum kit and proves why he's the best drummer the band has ever had, just check the intro to Funeral in Carpathia. As for Dani, he gives his best performance of his career on this album. The absolutely ear piercing banshee shrieks that he's known for have never sounded better and his death metal esque growl is in full affect as well. There's also some deep, gothic spoken word sections during the slower parts of the album.
In my honest opinion,
Dusk and Her Embrace is right up there with albums such as
In the Nightside Eclipse when it comes to the best symphonic black metal album ever made. It might not be as cold sounding or as "true", but it did start a new era in black metal. Bands such as Graveworm, Hecate Enthroned, and most notably Dimmu Borgir would all go on with adding heavy gothic influences into their brands of black metal, some even taking it to the next level. However, if you want the perfect representation of the symphonic black metal genre, it doesn't get any better than
Dusk and Her Embrace.
