Cradle of Filth: Thornography

The album lacks the dark atmosphere, which used to be the trademark of the band’s albums, but it brings several experiments.

The experiment that Cradle of Filth started with the album "Nymphetamine," they are continuing on the new album, called "Thornography." This is no longer the classic Cradle black metal, but the album is much faster and melodic. Cradle of Filth are known for heeding a darker atmosphere on their albums, especially in the charged intros and interludes, and there are almost none of those on "Thornography." Thumb down.  

"Thornography" brings new changes which will not be to everyone's liking - more guitar solos, which are the main novelty on the album, while the organ, without which songs like “Cthulhu Dawn” would not be as good as they are, is gone.

Dani’s screaming voice is here at times, even though it is much deeper on this album. What does this sound like? Different and positively so. Dani Filth knows very well what he doing and it is precisely those deeper tones that lend the album a new dimension. Production is also on a par and gives crystal clear sound, outlining the multilayered instrumental parts perfectly.

The guests on the album include Ville Valo from the band HIM in the song “Byronic Man,” the famous Pinhead from “Hellraiser” Doug Bradley, and singer Dirty Harry. As always, there is the angelic voice of Sarah Jezebel Deve. The intro "Under Pregnant Skies She Comes Alive Like Miss Leviathan" also features a symphonic orchestra that gives Cradle of Filth a richer sound, for which they probably paid a small fortune. 

The first single comes with the title "Temptations" and features British singer Dirty Harry. "Tonight in Flames," "Byronic Man" and "Dirge Inferno" are also potential hits and time and the MTV prognosis will tell what songs from the album will get videos.    

At any rate, the album presents Cradle of Filth in an entirely new edition, one which may not be to everyone’s liking. Their hardcore fans will buy this album too, and whether it will "sit well" with them as the others did or they will regret the fact that their favourite band no longer records albums like “Dusk and Her Embrace,” remains to be seen.  

If for no other reason, Cradle of Filth should be commended for doing things the way they want to and not allowing anyone to boss them around. Except maybe Roadrunner, the label that released the album.  

The song list: