A band like Cradle Of Filth no longer needs an introduction. These Englishmen know how to make original blackmetal: throughout the years they surprised countless fans of extreme metal with records such as Vempire, Cruelty And The Beast and Midian. At this very moment, their latest opus is sliding into my cd player: Nymphetamine...

A short stylish, dark introduction entitled Satyriasis is the first track on the album, after which Gilded Cunt aggressively announces itself. Devastating. That's the only way to describe this song. Fast, vast riffs and a tip of Dani's most agressive vocals build the base of the track. The introduction riff of Gilded... that returns later on in the song is without doubt a headbang-loaded piece of music.
Another song I just have to mention is English Fire. Being a slow, very (read: very) melodic song, it's totally different from the rest of the album. The beautiful piano-intro has a melodramatic as well as a romantic feel over it. Lyrically, the track is also different from the rest of the album. Despite its overall 'not very Cradle Of Filth' feel, this one is definitely one of my favourites on Nymphetamine.

Every song on Nymphetamine is unique. About every single one there are some interesting things to say, but to keep this review short I'd like to direct you to the Cradle Of Filth website or to the recent interview Metalrage had with frontman Dani Filth.

Because this album is not a concept album, the songs each have a different feel over them. Where Swansong For A Raven is a romantic, gothic song, Mother Of Abominations (which is about the goddess Cthulhu) is filled with blastbeats and agression.
The sound is superb. Guitars, drums, bass, vocals (Leaves' Eyes' Liv Kristine takes care of a part of the vocals in the titletrack); everything sounds just perfect. Another thing that these Englishmen haven't shunned on the new album, is the usage of choirs and orchestra. Again, as on every other Cradle Of Filth album, these have been put to good use. The songs get a natural, dark feel about them because of these atmospheric sounds.

Undoubtedly being the most innovative, melodic and diverse Cradle Of Filth album ever, Nymphetamine is a must have for every fan of melodic blackmetal. Definitely one of my favourite albums of 2004: two thumbs up!

Absolute favourite song: Coffin Fodder

Line-Up:
Dani Filth: vocals
Adrian Erlandsson: drums
Paul Allender: guitars
Martin Powell: keyboards
Dave Pybus: bass
James McIlroy: guitars

Tracklist:
1. Satyriasis
2. Gilded Cunt
3. Nemesis
4. Gabrielle
5. Absinthe With Faust
6. Nymphetamine Overdose
7. Painting Flowers White Never Suited My Palatte
8. Medusa And Hemlock
9. Coffin Fodder
10. English Fire
11. Filthy Little Secret
12. Swansong For A Raven
13. Mother Of Abominations
14. Nymphetamine Fix