Review CRADLE OF FILTH ‘Existence Is Futile’

Dani Filth has been creating atmospheric black metal with Cradle Of Filth since 1991. After the wild early years, Cradle Of Filth has constantly worked on improving their theatrical sound and although still anchored in black metal, Filth and band have carved out their own niche, which they were one of the first bands to fill.

After several years without a new album, the band has taken advantage of the lockdown period to record new songs, which now form the tracklist of ‘Existence of Futile’. Recorded in isolation, the band has once again managed to create an enormously dense and robust album.

Looking at songs like ‘Discourse Between A Man And His Soul’, it is noticeable that the black metal parts often refer to Filth’s hoarse voice while the song itself is an atmospheric metal anthem with cinematic expression. Darkness pushes from all pores and makes the song a soundtrack of melancholy. It’s almost a ballad the Cradle Of Filth-way.

Overall, Cradle Of Filth put their bombastic sound well once again, which is immediately underlined by the opener ‘Existential Terror’. Next to the musical heaviness, the album is for a next time about the human existence and the fear of the unknown, which is no surprise. A certain morbidity can be identified as a red thread, which is well represented by the well orchestrated ‘Necromantic Fantasies’. Overall, it can be stated that the beginning of the album reflects the bandwidth of Cradle Of Filth very well, to which the frenzied ‘Crawling King Chaos’ contributing to a great start into this record.

To give extra power to the dramaturgy of the album, Cradle Of Filth have included two interludes that support the flow of the album in a pleasant way. After the interludes, however, it’s back to business as usual with songs like the majestic ‘How Many Tears to Nurture a Rose’. Note the raging parts of the song here, which skillfully alternates with catchier sequences.

It took Dani Filth and band mates a little time to finish a new album. Fans of the British black metal institution had to wait four long years until they can expand their collection with a new album. On the October 23rd, the time has come. ‘Existence of Futile’ is the long-awaited and well-done next chapter of Cradle Of Filth. The band continues to follow its chosen path and those who expect surprises will have to find them in the details. Overall, Cradle Of Filth remain true to their trademarks and refine their sound on ‘Existence of Futile’ in a professional and skillful manner. Great work.