RCK281 - Cradle of Filth - Cruelty and the Beast

Cruelty and the Beast is Cradle of Filth's third studio album, released on May 5, 1998. It’s a concept album centered around the infamous Countess Elizabeth Báthory, blending extreme metal with gothic atmospheres to create a dark, theatrical experience. This album is considered a milestone in symphonic black metal, featuring grand orchestration, blistering guitar work, and Dani Filth’s signature shrieks.

Standout Tracks:

• "Thirteen Autumns and a Widow" – A dramatic, eerie opener with fast-paced aggression
• "Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids" – One of their most iconic tracks, featuring chilling spoken-word sections
• "Beneath the Howling Stars" – A perfect blend of symphonic elements and furious black metal
• "Venus in Fear" – A haunting, purely orchestral interlude
• "Desire in Violent Overture" – A relentless track filled with gothic horror and brutal riffing
• "Bathory Aria" – A 11-minute epic that tells the Countess’ tragic tale in full cinematic glory
• "Lustmord and Wargasm (The Lick of Carnivorous Winds)" – A powerful closer with eerie atmospheres

Legacy & Impact:

This album solidified Cradle of Filth’s sound, blending black metal, gothic horror, and symphonic elements like never before. Despite its raw production, the storytelling, orchestration, and sheer theatricality make it one of their most celebrated releases.

In 2019, they released Cruelty and the Beast – Re-Mistressed, a remixed and remastered version with improved sound quality, fixing the original’s thin drum mix while maintaining its raw energy.