Cradle of Filth

Cradle of Filth's 2004 effort Nymphetamine gets the deluxe treatment with this two-disc set. Joining the original studio album is a spread of revealing new artwork, the video for "Nymphetamine," and six additional songs. The band becomes "Cradle of Cliff" for an entertaining version of the Cliff Richard classic "Devil Woman." Dani Filth deadpans the lyrics with backing from guest King Diamond, and Cradle's propulsive beats and synthesizer hooks somehow suggest Dio's "Rainbow in the Dark." There are also eager takes on Bathory's "Bestial Lust" and Ozzy Osbourne's "Mr. Crowley." The covers are joined by the all-new "Prey" and "Soft White Throat" -- both ambitious, metallic and slightly overdramatic in a way that's unique to Cradle of Filth -- as well as "Nymphetamine -- Jezebel Deva Fix," an alternate version of the title track featuring Cradle backing vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva. As for Nymphetamine itself, it's evil with value-added entertainment. The band moves away from the novellas of 2003's Damnation and a Day for a tighter focus on songcraft. A yowling, growling Dani Filth chews up the band's often very melodic guitar lines, and wind-whipping, galloping speed metal slams into swirling gothic atmosphere at every turn. Album highlights include "Absinthe With Faust," the rapid-fire "Medusa and Hemlock," and "Filthy Little Secret." Black robes, gargoyles, epic synthesizers, and ripping distortion -- it's all part of the "slick perverted wraiths" game. The group's dark embrace always comes with just a little bit of showmanship. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide