Here is a band who owe much of their popularity to their image, and "Cruelty and the Beast" is the latest proof. While the album's concept, based on countess Bathory, is a cool enough idea, the band doesn't deliver anything fresh or interesting in terms of music, especially in relation to their own previous records. They may be very able musicians, but the album's overproduction and overall theatrics can't conceal its weak song writing. Cradle of Filth have truly become Marilyn Manson of black metal.

© 1999 boris