Cruelty and the Beast

Cradle of Filth

Cruelty and the Beast

RELEASED: May 04, 1998
TYPE: FULL LENGTH
Track Listing
1. Once Upon Atrocity 1:43 2. Thirteen Autumns and a Widow Meaning 7:14 3. Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids Meaning 7:18 4. Beneath the Howling Stars Meaning 7:42 5. Venus in Fear 2:20 6. Desire in Violent Overture Meaning 4:16 7. The Twisted Nails of Faith Meaning 6:51 8. Bathory Aria: Benighted Like Usher / A Murder of Ravens in Fugue / Eyes That Witnessed Madness Meaning 11:04 9. Lustmord and Wargasm (The Relicking of Cadaverous Wounds) Meaning 7:48 10. Black Metal Meaning 3:22 11. Hallowed Be Thy Name (Shallow Be My Grave) Meaning 7:07 12. Sodomy & Lust Meaning 4:44 13. Twisting Further Nails (The Cruci-Fiction mix) Meaning 5:32
Historical Archive
Cruelty and the Beast is the fourth studio album by the British extreme metal band Cradle of Filth, released on May 8, 1998. The album is a concept piece that draws inspiration from the infamous Hungarian countess Elizabeth Báthory, known for her sadistic and brutal practices. Musically, it blends gothic, symphonic, and black metal elements, showcasing the band's signature sound characterized by intricate guitar work, orchestral arrangements, and Dani Filth's distinctive vocal style. The album has been praised for its ambitious production and thematic depth, solidifying Cradle of Filth's place as one of the leading bands in the gothic metal scene.