CRADLE OF FILTH — From the Cradle to Enslave E.P. (review)

CRADLE OF FILTH — From the Cradle to Enslave E.P. album cover

EP · 1999 · Symphonic Black Metal

3/5 · 2011-08-14
arcane-beautiful

It's a bit annoying when bands release material which isn't on albums. And this prooves it.

Now I know I said Midian was Cradle's real shot into the mainstream, but this really was its push in the right direction. At the turn of the century these guys had conquered the extreme metal world, releasing 4 top class releases that are considered classics in today's modern metal climate. But they had gained attention due to contraversy (e.g. the Jesus' is a c*** t shirt, being arrested at the Vatican, that documentary about parents who feared their kids where apart of a cult because they listened to the band...you know as you normally do everyday), they decided to make a music video and an accompanying ep. Now ep is a very strong word, because I would call it a big single really, because the main impact was the title track. Now along with this release we got another unreleased song, 2 covers, a remix of the title track and a re recording of one of their classic songs. And do they live up to the rest of the tracks.

Yes and no. Now the main song is amazing, and so is the other new song. The 2 covers are pretty cool too, but why do bands do that stupid remix thing. They always seem rushed and always come out sounding stupid.

Now musically the ep is a step foward from what they were doing in Cruelty & The Beast, but with the black metal elements discarded for a more gothic sound being brought forward. Now production wise, I'm not the biggest fan. For some reason it sound's a bit rushed, but to be honest, the material is still their so meh. Dani's vocals also seem to be a wee bit lack lustre, and his lyrics on the 2 original tracks aren't as striking or as memorable as they used to be. Although I like how the keyboards now have a more dominant approach in the instrumentation.

1. From The Cradle To Enslave - I think this is one of their most well known tracks, but to be honest, it's a bit overhyped. Even Dani doesn't like this song too much, and the band are actually sick of playing it live. Although, it's still a great song, and will always remain striking, especially with the accompanying of that amazing music video. 8/10

2. Of Dark Blood & F**king - Why is this song not as hyped as the first track. This is the best song on this release, and its a very underlooked Cradle classic in my opinion. I love the mad punky feeling throughout the song, and the hook is amazing, with Sarah Jezebel having some great vocals. Lyrics are pretty cool too. 10/10

3. Death Comes Ripping - I think most bands end up doing a Misfits cover now and then, and this is their's. Great cover, and the punky sound is pretty reminiscent of Cradle's early days. 8/10

4. Sleepless - An Anathema cover? Yes this is true, and meh, they pull it off well...pretty interestingly actually. 7/10

5. Perverted Church (From The Cradle To Depraved) - Ok, I don't care about this, but meh, someone might like it. 3/10

6. Funeral In Carpathia - This just isn't the same as the real true original recording. I guess the song is still their, but it's just not the same really. 6/10

CONCLUSION: Their's some underlooked moments on this, but to be honest, it's not Cradle's best release by far. Still pretty good though.

5.8/10