Review by Denis on April 17, 2003.

Like it or not, you have to concede that Cradle Of Filth is not your ordinary, middle of the road, straight forward, regular metal band. Nor are they just a bunch of weirdos with funny make-up and costumes pretending to be musicians of some sort. These guys have been around for a while and I would bet you, they'll still be in for quite a long time. After all, how many bands in the metal realm had a chance to hit the jack pot and being signed to a big label like Sony? This is something big happening for them and I'm glad for Dani and his filthy bunch.

Even if I have just discovered them recently, I was struck by their special style with "Lovecraft & Witch Hearts," finding this music quite imaginative and Avant-gardist which equals a big plus in my musical book. There is a drawback in all this. The band leader is also the singer and the guy has a vocal instrument sounding more like a shriek... Big problem since this is his band after all! But the guy isn't dumb and called for some help with a greatly gifted Sarah Jezebel Deva and the Budapest choir on top of that! So, the vocal parts are in good hands if you can stand his shrieks... Musically, aside from his usual friends, the Budapest Orchestra was called in to give the opus a huge and grandiose symphonic aura that will strike you right from the opening track.

As a matter of fact, "Damnation And A Day" is a concept album separated in four parts all of which beginning with a symphonic intro joined in by the splendid choir. Between these interludes is everything you ever wanted to hear in a metal album deserving to be called a masterpiece. Countless breathtaking riffs, actually some of the best ones I ever heard such as in 'Better to Reign in Hell' or 'Doberman Pharaoh' will make you fall from your seat. Sarah and the choir are making sporadic appearances throughout the compositions giving a nice break to Dani's voice that is nevertheless taking various tonalities and styles. The guy can actually sing and on 'Thanks God for the Suffering' his low tonality is quite pleasant to hear. The musical direction is in perpetual motion and can be shifting from Black to symphonic to melodic to... The backbone remains black metal with the killing assaults of its rhythmic section. The intricacy of the musical structure is really progressive and the Avant-garde landscape is omnipresent and shines with all the spectral vibrations available. To guide you through the scenery, a very artistic booklet is going to let you in on this twisted story of human raise and fall...

Bottom Line: "Damnation And A Day" is bound to kick your ass, break your jaw and teeth but most importantly, will totally warp your mind up with its majesty and musical splendors.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Originality: 10
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.4 out of 10