March 30, 2025| Vee Richardson | RELEASE REVIEW
Cradle of Filth – The Screaming Of The Valkyries | Album Review
Few extreme metal bands have stayed as dependable (yet controversial) as Cradle Of Filth. Dani Filth and his cohort continue their reign of gothic horror with their 14th studio album, The Screaming of the Valkyries.
The Screaming of the Valkyries is a 56-minute onslaught of an album that combines classic death metal, razor-sharp black metal intensity, and symphonic influences. This album highlights and enhances what makes Cradle Of Filth such a singular force in the metal scene, even though it may not exactly reinvent the wheel.
It’s clear from the first few scenes of ‘To Live Deliciously’ that Cradle Of Filth have given this album their all, it’s stuffed with theatrical flourishes, blazing riffs, and orchestral layers that evoke a sense of both grandeur and evil. While ‘White Hellebore’ adds a folk-tinged atmosphere that adds variation to the record’s pacing, tracks like ‘Demagoguery’ display some of the most aggressive songwriting in recent memory, leaning into a death metal-infused fury.
Clarity and unadulterated energy are well-balanced in the production. The rhythm section, under the direction of drummer Martin “Marthus” Škaroupka, propels the album with unrelenting precision, while the symphonic elements are present without overpowering the guitars.
Dani Filth continues to be a unique performer, using theatrical flair to deliver his signature high-pitched shrieks, guttural growls, and eerie spoken word passages. However, Zoe Federoff’s increased role as vocalist and keyboardist is one of the album’s strongest points. Her increased presence pushes the albums cinematic feel, and her ethereal cleans and operatic inflections offer a haunting contrast to Dani’s vocals.
“Tracks like ‘Demagoguery’ display some of the most aggressive songwriting in recent memory.”
Donny Burbage, the new guitarist, is a great addition, adding melodic solos and razor-sharp riffing that broadens the record’s dynamic range. The Screaming of the Valkyries features some of the band’s most intricate and captivating guitar work in recent years.
This album seamlessly blends gothic horror, mythology, and the macabre with Dani Filth‘s trademark intricate lyricism. Songs like ‘Ex Sanguine Draculae’, which combine vampiric imagery with opulent storytelling, harken back to the sinister elegance of Dusk & and Her Embrace. Long-time listeners will be enthralled by the album’s lyrical depth, which provides a deep, enveloping experience that rewards those who explore the complexities and meaning within the lyrics.
The Screaming of the Valkyries refines and perfects Cradle of Filth‘s formula in a way that is both nostalgic and new, despite retaining their core sound. This release stands out in their vast discography due to the harmony of melody and brutality, excellent musicianship, and powerful vocal interplay. The theatricality may be too much for some listeners, but for those who appreciate the band’s distinctive sound, this album is a complete success.
