Midian, COF masterpiece.
Written: Aug 03 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Unbelievablely varied and powerful.
Cons: None. A classic of the metal genre
The Bottom Line: No room. Buy it!
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| danifilth's Full Review: Midian by Cradle Of Filth |
Midian was the first thing I reviewed here on epinions, and I kind messed up. It was cramped together, and derogatory towards nu-metal (but I never apologise for the Fred Durst cracks). Why is this a problem, well I hate people making fun of my taste so I won't make fun of others or the clichés that accompany it. I will however ridicule Fred Durst as much as always.
So why bother to write a review? Well I don't think I did justice to what I believe is quite possibly one of the best albums ever. I won't talk about Cradle of Filth's love for courting controversy, or much about their frequent line-up changes (much!). I just wish to address the music in what I feel would do it justice.
This is the bands 4th real album, 6th release. As usual people have left or been fired from the band. The album has a new theme, the hidden city of Midian from the movie Nightbreed, a guest star or two and a slightly updated style. So on we go!
The Band
Dani Filth: Vocals. Yes the man with the widest range in music is still alive, despite being almost as smart mouthed as me! HE just loves to annoy the moral majority by designing COF clothing line. He writes the lyrics, and sings them. Yes his voice is rather grating to begin with, especially on earlier releases, but you will soon appreciate his style. He is the front man, and king Goth.
Gian and Paul: Guitars. Paul returns to the band after his post TPOEMF absence for his family. Welcome back! He and Gian weave the main melodies on the album, and compared to most bands their work is frighteningly complex. The album contains less solo's than "Dusk and Her Embrace", but more melody than "Cruelty and The Beast". Overall I really like their style of playing. Think closer to Iron Maiden or Slayer style riffs, than Slipknot or koRn.
Martin: Keyboards. Ex-My Dying Bride he clearly has a lot of skill as he was a classical pianist and violin player. Less haughty and atmospheric than Damien on "Dusk", but fits overall better with the band. Unbelievably evocative playing, especially on "At The Gates Of Midian"
Robin Graves(!): Bass. Sadly left the band soon after for personal reasons he is one half of Cradle's rhythm section, as well as one of the longest surviving members. He lays down the basis, and I now try to make a conscious effort to hear bass. But with so much going on it's a little hard as he is lost in the mix. He excels at the end of "Lord Abortion" though.
Adrian: Drums. Another new guy, he is replacing Nick. A lot better suited to the band's unique mix of black and speed (with a little death) metal, he's my favourite drummer they've had. Cthulu Dawn his high point.
Lady Sarah Jezabel Diva: Vocals. Musn't forget Cradle's famous (and for a good reason) female vocalist, she often takes part in the songs, playing parts Dani writes for her. Other times she adds her beautiful choir style vocals. Either way an essential member.
The Songs
What I like about Cradle's songs is that they are often actual story's, insted of hate fuelled rants. Possessing plots, and development, each one has an epic quality. And most are bloody long too!
"At The Gates Of Midian" Cradle of Filth’s obligatory intro track. But what an intro. Their best ever, it builds and builds the anticipation of what will come later. Monks chanting, people whispering, at times haunting, others triumphant. At times seeming almost religious! Used to great effect in "Cradle Of Fear", it sets the tone for the album and leads perfectly in to...
"Cthulu Dawn" Organs, plus drums followed quickly by the fastest guitar riff known to man=Ctulu Dawn. The fastest song on the album, and the only one clocking under 5 mins. Based on Lovecraft's Cthulu mythos, it tells the tale of the second coming of ancient beings that once ruled our world. Truely captures the feeling of a paniked, apocalyptic world. Dani's patented "1000 word a minute screeching" style only fuels the fire. Absolutely blinding.
"Saffrons Curse" With the wind blowing, male chanting, a keyboard only riff and Dani's growl this song has a truly haunting quality. It then breaks into a frantic guitar riff, and a very cool one at that. Features the first interludes between Dani and Sarah, this tells the tale of lost love, resurrected as a Demon Goddess, I think. Cool huh? The interlude in the middle is especially atmospheric, and makes this song another high score for Midian. God, I almost sounded like a rugby player.
"Death Magick for Adepts" Ah, a personal favourite of mine (I’ll be saying it a lot, ‘cos I love this album!). The power chord driven main riff is very cool, as is the explosive nature of the song. Faster and more aggressive than “Saffron’s Curse” and lyrics with a nice biblical slant on apocalypse. Best has to be the wonderfully written speech at the end. This is read by none other than Pinhead himself, Doug Bradley. WOOHOO!
"Lord Abortion" Quite possibly my favourite Cradle song ever (or one of them, I tend to have one off each album). I can't describe how good this song is but I'll try. Stupidly offensive torture lyrics, Dani is obviously having a laugh but still makes good use of his voice, good use of the guitar and keyboard. Brilliantly catchy chorus, and the interlude with a bass solo by Robin is very sweet. It also has the best conclusion of any of the songs on the album. Good twist on the character. It's the one of the few Cradle songs I know perfectly.
"Amore E Morte" Oh shun the vamps and bring in the werewolves huh? Ah well it's still cool. Nice refrain, lacks power until it approaches the end when BAM! An Iron Maiden style guitar solo duel. Fu*kin' sweet.
"Creatures That Kissed In Cold Mirrors" The second musical piece, a lot more structered than we should expect, and because of this sounds a little holo.
"Her Ghost in The Fog" Ah the most controversial Cradle song. Is it offensive or violent, well no not really. It's because they made a promo video for it and were dubbed sell outs by "hardcore" fans. That is grade A bullsh!t. Just because they release a video does not make them sell outs, compromising their beliefs and music for money does. They have never done that. I like the way they are leaning towards simpler songs, it makes them catchier and still retains their power. Look at "Bitter Suites To Succubi"'s new stuff for examples of this new style. It's good. Anyway the song. Beginning with a piano riff that breaks into guitars, and then a spooky intro about love and death by Bradly it starts well. Dani then continues his requiem to his love lost to the church and it's chilling consequences for him and others. The main riff is excellent, maybe the best on the album, and the break has another bass solo. A fantastic "mainstream" cradle song. I hope they lean more in this direction.
"Satanin Mantra" "Archangel Darkangel lend my thy light through Death's veil till we have heaven in sight" This is repeated many times getting louder each time. Kinda silly, but me and a mate often do it to spook our "normal" friends out.
"Tearing The Veil From Grace" An epic piece of writing even by Cradle's lofty standards. It concerns Hell's wishes to become reinstated in Heaven, and boy is it done with style. Perfectly matching beauty and power, slow and fast with choir vocals mixed with Sarah and Dani, it showcases Cradle at their frighteningly epic best. Memorable guitar riffs, and a very classical style keyboard at times, this is one to share with your friends. It may convert them.
"Tortured Soul Asylum" My other personal favourite. Doug Bradly once again begins proceedings, with a tale of the hidden city itself. Terrifyingly chilly keyboard riffs, aggressive, dark guitars and Dani's usual disturbing voice and lyrics. Featuring the albums other brilliant conclusion and twist to a song.
I hope you found my revision of my "Midian" review useful, and were persuaded to buy a fantastic album. As always comments are welcomed and thanks for reading!
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends
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Epinions.com ID:
danifilth
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Member: Jeremy Linnell
Location: Scotland
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
Shaven Glam Boy
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