Cradle of Filth – The Screaming of the Valkyries

Cradle of Filth is a band that you probably already love or hate—there’s no in-between. Say what you want, but these romantic vampires don’t leave anyone indifferent. Yet, for me, the craziest thing about the band is how it went from being more washed-up than Ali in the ’80s to having a second prime in its later years. I can’t think of any other band that has pulled off such a comeback in the last decade. So, ironically, I did have high expectations for The Screaming of the Valkyries.

I know Cradle of Dani (let’s be real, that should be the name) has never been a band we all take seriously. I mean, how can you when something reaches this level of bombastic theatrics? However, this is what sets Valkyries apart. You might laugh at the goth suits (like I do!), but the music is serious—as in, all those riffs hit you in all the right ways. The production is dense and atmospheric, the vocals and synths add that gothic touch, but it’s done in a more discreet way, allowing the heaviness to shine through. A true love letter to ’90s Black/Goth classics.

There aren’t many moments of peace here, as the album delivers a good balance between beauty and ugliness, horror and love. Because, at the end of the day, no matter how heavy it gets, Cradle of Dani is a romantic project infatuated with old stories of romance and loss. That’s no different in Valkyries, but the band has matured so much, and we can hear it. This is coming from a self-declared hater, so if the album can make me question my disdain, then you know it’s something to add to your list this year.

Don’t get me wrong, though—I have my complaints. Breathe; I’ve already been online, and I know most of you are rabidly salivating for this album. But still, my job is to be honest, so get ready. My biggest issue with Valkyries is its length. The album could benefit from ditching at least three tracks. While it has intense highs, there are also less interesting moments—let’s say they’re not bad, but they make your attention go dormant for a few minutes here and there. Still, if you’re obsessed with this style, more is more, I guess.

Valkyries proves Cradle of Filth still has a lot to offer in its senior years. It shows that a band can be lost for decades and then find itself to become a symbol of consistency. Like a vampire, the album demonstrates that there can be an eternity after you’re declared dead. So, the real question is: is this the band’s best album since 2015, or even since Midian? I’ll let you fight that one out.

Label: Napalm Records

Release date: March 21, 2025

Website: https://cradleoffilth.bandcamp.com/album/the-screaming-of-the-valkyries

Country: UK

Score: many surviving band members, or 4.0/5.0