Since the inception of extreme metal, a shrieking voice and profound lyrics have been haunting the mind of many metal heads. A band who has evolved with time and perfected the imperfect (to some) has done it again, Cradle of Filth has delivered yet another ghastly creation with their album titled Existence is Futile. Coming out of the second deadliest world pandemic, Dani Filth and ensemble delivered a compelling 14 track studio album to be released on October 22^nd via Nuclear Blast Records.

The album Existence is Futile kicks off with an ominous introduction in the Cradle of Filth style the world is accustomed to. Despite the evolution of this band and lineup changes over time the cohesiveness of this album –Existence is Futile is masterful. The album contains elements heard in Cryptoriana- The Seductiveness of Decay, the phenomenal story telling by Dani Filth captures listeners and with his trademark screams he adds the fury to tracks like “Existential Terror” and “Black Smoke Curling from the Lips of War”. The guitar work has great rhythm and melodies that will sure raise the hairs on your arms. Both Guitarist Richard Shaw and Ashok demonstrate their fluidity incorporating some thrashy riffs backed up by harmonious leads.  The compelling music video to “Necromantic Fantasies” is only a glimpse you got for the rest of this marvelous album. For those seeking some dark Victorian gothic vibe this is the video you’ve been waiting for.

The album theme is what drives this record to the top of my playlist. Existentialism, and dread and fear of the unknown is sung throughout the album in many melodies and lyrical content. As stated by front man Dani Filth -“The album is about existentialism, existential dread and fear of the unknown,”, a concept that has been studied by many and mimics those ideas of occultist Aleister Crowley’s maxim. This album is comprised with the signature choruses of Anabelle, and captivating keyboard melodies. The drum work by Martin ‘Marthus’ Skaroupa is brutal and transforms every track from a mellow track to a neck breaking song. Another heavy element in this record is the bass by Daniel Firth, it adds depth to this dark filled composition.

Darkness, existentialism and horror perplexes many, but for fans of the occult and horror this music is soothing. The return of Doug ‘Pinhead’ Bradley horror icon makes this album extra especial. For those who are not familiar with his work aside from being Pinhead in the movie Hellraiser he lends his dulcet tones on tracks like “Suffer Our Dominion” , “Sisters Of the Mist” and in previous tracks “Her Ghost In The Fog” an epic and classic trilogy. Make sure to preorder your copy of this devilish album Existence is Futile out October 22^nd, via Nuclear Blast Records.

By Jose Barrientos

Preorder Existence Is Futile here: https://bfan.link/existence-is-futile.ema