Cradle Of Filth: Dani Filth (vocals); Paul Allender, James McIlroy (guitar); Martin Foul (piano); Herr Pubis (bass guitar); Adrian Erlandsson (drums).

Recording information: 2004.

NYMPHETAMINE (according to the band, a term defined as a ravenous addiction to classically beautiful women) is Cradle of Filth's sixth full-length album, and third in a row on a new label (in this case, Roadrunner Records). It's also stripped of the grandeur provided by a full orchestra and choir on 2003's DAMNATION AND A DAY. Time spent on the road with 2003's Ozzfest left the band with a need to simplify the arrangements, in an effort to capture the ferocity of their legendary live shows. What's left is heavily thrash-influenced and teeming with fluid guitar lines rooted in the classic British metal of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.

Relying less on synths, strings, and operatic background vocals, Cradle of Filth turns up the guitars a notch and delivers wave after wave of brutal yet melodic riffs anchored in the band's early influences. Guitarists Paul Allender and James McIlroy twist lines into dark harmonies on "Nemesis" and "Coffin Fodder," while delicate piano intros add atmosphere to "English Fire" and "Absinthe with Faust." The title track features a duet with Liv Kristine (Theatre of Tragedy, Leaves Eyes) that epitomizes the idea of beauty and the beast. NYMPHETAMINE proves that less can indeed mean more.

What the critics say...

Alternative Press (p.154) - "[With] coruscating, minor-key thrash riffs, tasteful keyboards and a retreating gothic edge." - 3 out of 5
CMJ (p.5) - "[T]hey've noticeably broadened their stylistic palette..."
Kerrang (Magazine) (p.52) - "[A] diverse and ingenious masterwork; a kaleidoscopic trawl through every conceivable extreme metal subgenre."