Guest Reviewer: Lord Konrad Chaos
Band: Cradle Of Filth
CD Title: Bitter Suites to Succubi
Year: 2001
Website: cradleoffilth.com
MySpace: myspace.com/cradleoffilth
Label: Abracadaver
Featured on: Loucifer Speaks Guest Reviewer Exclusive
Rating: 8 / 10
More Links: Please discuss this review and band in the Loucifer Speaks forum.
Bitter Suites To Succubi is unique. It is the only Cradle album to date that has the same band members as the previous release, being Midian. Right, now the trivia is out of the way, the reviewing! The album only features six brand new tracks, two of which are instrumentals, theres a cover in there, as well as three remakes of previous songs (all from The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh album). As such, it is a mini-album, in terms of original material. The album has a very different feel to it than its predecessor, it feels faster, harder, but doesn't lose the atmosphere Midian had.
Dani's vocals here are much the same as in Midian, slightly more understandable, although not much more. Some songs feel like they blend into each other, and not in a good way, although you will find one or two gems. One being the Sisters Of Mercy cover of No Time To Cry, it just doesn't fit in the album like the others, but this is a good thing, as you remember the song much more. Also in there is Born In A Buiral Gown, although this may be because of it's repetivtive, and annoyingly catchy chorus, rather than any major skill. Although it does have one song which, even as a man who has watched all four SAW films without worry, and sees the Texas Chainsaw Massacre as a bit of light entertainment, I wouldn't suggest listening to Dinner at Deviant's Palace at night, while trying to get to sleep. This isn't because its genuinley terrifying, more because it's The Lord's Prayer played backwards, in the cheesiest 'scary girl' voice, but it works, you get the odd chill from it.
This album doesn't beat Midian, but it takes a good crack at it, following the same pattern, but with a slight twist, in a more upbeat manner. Bitter Suites To Succubi is one of my personal favourites, but it really does ride on those few gems you find in its ten tracks.
Recommended Songs to Download:
No Time To Cry
Born In A Burial Gown
The Black Goddess Rises I
01 Sin Deep My Wicked Angel
02 All Hope in Eclipse
03 Born in a Burial Gown
04 Summer Dying Fast
05 No Time to Cry
06 The Principle of Evil Made Flesh
07 Suicide and Other Comforts
08 Dinner at Deviant's Palace
09 The Black Goddess Rises II
10 Scorched Earth Erotica
