18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Is it true black metal? Does it matter?, June 9, 2001
This review is from: Midian (Audio CD)
Debate on the validity of Cradle of Filth has been raging in the black metal community for the best part of five years. Self-appointed "true" black metallers do not consider CoF to be true black metal. No, CoF are not as raw as Dark Throne, early Burzum, or Mayhem. No, they don't play as fast as Marduk. No, their atmosphere and songwriting ability is not equal to that of Emperor. And the cardinal sin for the subterranean black metal judges, CoF have sold too many albums! Look a little further into CoF, and you will see why they have sold so well. The band does not fall into the black metal trap of having to have paper thin production, indecipherable strangled cat vocals, and one dimensional songwriting. Midian is an excellent example of what a band can do when they do not follow the true black metal path, and people have voted with their wallets. Without getting into any sub-genre labelling arguments, this is first and foremost a metal album. Yes, metal, that long forgotten music form, played with loud guitars, guitar solos, over the top vocals, and the lyrics cover irreverent subjects like vampires, sex, and, er... sex with vampires... If you're a "true" black metal fan, you will hate this. If you're a fan of metal in general, check it out.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the Wait, October 31, 2000
This review is from: Midian (Audio CD)
I just got the cd on the day it was released full of anticipation. I have loved COF for a few years now, and I enjoy every one of their efforts even though each one is different from the next. Cradle once again shows on "Midian" that they are not afraid to take their unique blend of dark metal in new directions. Im sure a few fans will not appreciate some of the efforts on this record but I for one think that it is a superb record. The only flaw is the track Satanic Mantra , im really not sure why this was put on this otherwise perfect record, luckily its only about a minute long. Stand outs on the cd are- "Saffron's Curse, Tearing the veil from grace, and Her ghost in the fog.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Experimentation and Evolution, October 31, 2000
This review is from: Midian (Audio CD)
It seems that when a band says that they will show a big evolution and experimentation in the new album means that they are going soft (there are million of examples of this rule) none the less I went to buy the new Cradle of Filth Album which I heard had the two fatal words Evolution and Experimentation. Well after hearing the album several times I have to say that YES THE BAND SHOWS A BIG EVOLUTION AND IMPROVEMENT AND YES THERE IS A LOT OF EXPERIMENTATION IN THE SOUND (Mustly off beats and female choruses). BUUUUTTTTT.... the band didn't go soft at all more like they polished their great style (which I already loved before) and made for sure one of the best albums to come. This album is amazingly good. I cant stop listening to it and everytime I Love it more, Dani's Voice has reach perfection as well the guitars and drums have improved so much without forgetting the beautiful harmonies of the keyboards. In resume this album is a Must CRadle of Filth just made a classic. Midian doesn't have a bad song, is absolutly perfect. This proves to all the other bands that Evolution and experimentation are not sinonimus of radio friendly. MIdian deserves in every way the biggest rating.
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