When I bought Cradle Of Filth's first album(The Principle of Evil Made Flesh) I considered it to be the greatest ever black metal release. This was true at the time and remained true until the release of the 'Vempire' EP. Then I had to change my judgement to hold Vempire as the greatest ever black metal release. Then, it happened again. 'Dusk And Her Embrace' surpassed Vempire in what is the pinnacle of black metal perfection.

Dusk And Her Embrace marked the end of COF's association with Cacophonous Records. Ever since TPoEMF was recorded, COF had been in conflict with Cacophonous for a number of reasons. They did a poor job with promoting and distributing TPoEMF(I get a lot of people telling me that they can't find this album), they provided no tour support for the album and furthermore, they paid the band none of the royalties gained from the albums sales! This resulted in a battle between the band and Cacophonous which was eventually settled out of court. Dusk And Her Embrace was recorded under the 'Music for Nations' label, who appeared to treat the band much better.

As a result of trouble with Cacophonous Paul Allen quit the band. Additionally Paul Ryan and Benjamin were fired from the band for poor performance and personal differences with the band. These members were replaced with Stuart, Damien, and Gian for Dusk And Her Embrace. Dusk was originally recorded in January 1995 with the ex-members of the band. However, Dani and Nicholas were disappointed with the efforts of the ex-members in this original recording, so the new members Damien and Stuart re-constructed the old version to come up with the release version of the album. According to Nicholas, the release version of the album represents 70% new material and 30% old ideas(from the original recording).

Dusk And Her Embrace is the ultimate black metal album. It contains all of the best qualities from COF's previous albums done to perfection, with the addition of original and innovative new ideas. Dusk has an 'Epic' quality to it that you will become fond of. The atmosphere is stunningly created by the synth based instrumentals. There are two purely instrumental tracks on the album, but most other tracks also begin with a synth interlude. This atmosphere sets the scene and provides the basis for the classic songs that follow.

Dusk is a majestic masterpiece. It is best described as majestic, but one could also describe the feeling of the album as epic, triumphant, romantic and arrogent. It is able to combine the delicacy of melody with the brutality of war. The combination of powerful atmospheric synth with guitar rhythms of true feeling is the highlight of the album for me. Dani, in this album, introduces high pitched 'thousand words per minute' screaming in a number of sections to great effect. This adds to the many voices he has used throughout all COF albums to increase variety and keep things interesting. Overall, Dusk does not use as many alternative guest voices as other COF albums, but those that are present are very good.

I cannot find fault in any of the tracks on Dusk. It is obvious that it is an extremely polished performance from true professionals. However, I do still have a favourite section of the album. The three consecutive tracks: Nocturnal Supremacy '96(or A Gothic Romance as it is titled on the album), Malice Through the Looking Glass, and Dusk And Her Embrace, are probably the most listened to tracks of any album for me.

The first track in this set, Nocturnal Supremacy '96, is essentially the same as Nocturnal Supremacy from the Vempire EP. It starts off with an intro that undoubtedly emanates supremacy. It then progresses, builds up speed, and before long Dani's screams are flying along at an impressive rate. It also contains alternative female accompaniment as well as deep male voices. The next track, Malice Through the Looking Glass, is of a slightely different style. It is a romantic masterpiece that combines fast and slow sections, male and female voices, and prominent guitar and synth effects perfectly. The final track in this sequence, Dusk And Her Embrace, is probably my favourite track of the album. It is a faster track than the previous two, and its speed creates a chaotic feeling. Sections of the song get progressively faster, culminating in powerful climaxes. This, combined with a good variety of male and female vioces(including Dani's unique 'thousand words per minute' screaming), and skilful high-speed guitar, make this an unforgettable experience. The album also contains, as always, a booklet containing lyrics from all the songs featured on the album and some fantastic artwork which is always much appreciated.

Dusk.....And Her Embrace...

1. Humana Inspired To Nightmare
2. Heaven Torn Asunder
3. Funeral In Carpathia
4. A Gothic Romance
(Red Roses for the Devil's Wh*re)
5. Malice Through the Looking Glass
6. Dusk And Her Embrace
7. The Graveyard by Moonlight
8. Beauty Slept In Sodom
9. Haunted Shores

Recommended: Yes