Cradle of Filth - Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness of Decay

Cradle of Filth’s uber-theatrical and symphonic approach to goth-themed black metal is not something I have a problem with by default, but they are a band that seems to consistently struggle with drawing something creative from the naturally epic style, and the homogeneity on this album really showcases this problem. Cradle of Filth have always lived on the border of cheesy and awesome, risking bigtime corniness on classic songs like “Nymphetamine” and “Temptation” to reach for orchestral grandeur. What happens far too often for Dani Filth and his backing band is a lack of payoff for the investment in dense, extreme orchestration in the form of memorable riff or hooks, with only a few neatly interwoven instrumental parts really conveying the grandiosity Cradle of Filth wants to convey. This record, possibly more than any of their previous efforts, exemplifies Cradle of Filth’s dependence on huge symphonic backdrops to the point of desensitization, resulting in diminished returns. What should sound majestic does not, because the entire album is saturated with this easy, go-to tactic of orchestral overload with the intent of creating something bombastic, unfortunately far past the point of becoming counterproductive. Dani Filth’s signature semi-operatic high-pitched screams, while impressive, also grow stale quickly as so many songs open with it and so many miniature climaxes feature it at their main signal. I tried so hard to keep myself focused through this album, each time unsuccessful to at least some degree, but the endless barrage of blast beats over choral vocals and strings just left this album a huge mess. Usually Cradle of Filth albums, even weaker albums, come with standout tracks and something I can go to in isolation of the rest of the album, but Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness of Decay is all decay and no seductiveness.