Cradle of Filth - Are damned if they do and damned if they don't!

*** 1/2

Tonight is all about the Filth!

Tonight in London we have two Metal titans going head to head a double headline show with Cradle of Filth and Behemoth. The two bands have enough differences between them and just as many things in common to compliment each other all the same. It's clear tonight though that we have two different crowds each have paid Ideally to see one but don't mind the other either. Long term member Paul Allender and James Mcelroy are out tonight due to illness and family issues and two last minute replacements have been brought in. 

Dani Filth and his evil minions Cradle of Filth are the first of the two headliners at the London Forum and it's been just over a year since the band headlines this very venue this time the band have a bigger production. While the Introduction plays over the PA a hooded grim reaper type character stalks the stage. The band walks on and blast into 'Cthulhu Dawn' from 2000's mainstream breakthrough 'Midian'.

The band play a somewhat greatest hits set tonight playing a few rarities that have not been aired in a while. They even through in a few numbers from their debut album which is a treat while playing mostly the hits keeping in mind they are probably trying to win a few newcomers over tonight as well. They delight with 'The Principle of the Flesh' which sounds like it always does with some intensity and evil tints and is a real delight to behold, even though Cradle of Filth look like they have been not spending out on the costumes and been shopping in Camden instead.

And for thou's not in the know it's pretty much business as usual for this crew tonight Cradle of Filth have always been a strong force live, however they do slightly suffer from having two session guitarist's tonight and as they get to 'Beneath the howling Stars' you are back into it like you were fourteen again. So in a way they do make the set work in their favour but the missing members are really missed and they don't have the presence they normal do. They depart with their two  biggest hits 'Nymphetamine' and 'Her ghost in the Fog' before coming back on for a fast version of 'Funeral in Carpathia' which brings the set to a climax quickly. I do feel that they could have delivered slightly more but I would go and catch them again, thou this wasn't the bands finest hour. 

Cradle of Filth - Setlist
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Cthulu Dawn
A Dream of Wolves
Summer dying Fast
Principle of the Flesh
Beneath the howling Stars 
For your Vulgar 
Delectation
Haunted Shores
Nymphetamine
Born in a burial Gown
Cruety brought thee Orchids
Her ghost in the Fog
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Funeral in Carpathia

Review by Joe Denby and Dan Devour, Photo's by Sarah Tsang with additional photo's by Dan Devour

Check Out! the Video for 'Frost on her Pillow' Below...