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Album Details

• Artist: Cradle Of Filth
• Album: Vempire
• Label: Cacophonous
• Year of Release: 1996
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2012-11-17

While their debut LP garnered signifigant underground praise and recognition, it was becoming apparent that Cradle of Filth needed to broaden their horizons, both musically and professionally. Due to a two-record obligation with Cacophonous Records, they quite hastily put together V Empire, an EP of 6 tracks that would see them free to seek representation elsewhere. However, perhaps unexpectedly, the results would sound anything but rushed.



The improvements over the debut The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh are abundant. More polished production values, songwriting, the addition of long-time collaborator Sarah Jezebel Diva as a backup vocalist, and of course, the added skill only experience can bring. Opener "Ebony Dressed for Sunset" sets a stark picture of violence and agony, before a much-needed re-recording of "The Forest Whispers My Name" drives the point home further; this is a much more practiced and perfected Cradle of Filth. And then comes "Queen of Winter, Throned", the EP's centerpiece suite, combining 10 minutes of orchestral interludes, haunting melodies and crushing metal that remains the hallmark of the band's earliest efforts. "Nocturnal Supremacy" and "The Rape and Ruin of Angels" round out a solid and impressive tracklist, spaced by the chilling instrumental "She Mourns a Lengthening Shadow".



V Empire marked a true launching point towards the pinnacle of Cradle of Filth's storied career. The fact that it was concieved in the middle of a troubling time in their professional lives speaks to the will and abilities of all involved. While the band's actual lineup had and would continue to undergo a variety of changes, the introduction of guitarist Stuart Anstis and the continued efforts of the handful of mainstays would continue to produce excellent material over the next handful of records. This disc, despite still not reaching the absolute peaks the band would find soon enough, is nonetheless one of my absolute favorites from the band.

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