
It’s always a bit pain and pleasure to get to review a new album from one of my favourite bands. Pain because of the high expectations and pleasure because, well, it’s my favourite band yay! Now, since Hammer of the Witches Cradle of Filth has been putting out great albums so expectations are certainly high. So what about this new one?
Existence is Futile is a great album, no denying that. But the greatness didn’t come easily. I had to work this album hard to make it reveal it’s true colours. The problem was partially in me because I expected something breathtaking. The album isn’t breathtaking, it’s basically the same CoF that has been for some time now. What makes the album great though, is the band’s ability to dress the it’s music to new clothes, depending on the current thematical framework. This time around the band has adopted more melancholic approach but it doesn’t alter or take anything away from the essence of CoF. It’s still extreme and aggressive and yet, very subtle and elegant. The band’s newest member, keyboardist Anabelle has really brought some new energy to the band and I like how she has managed to bring some old CoF vibes to the mix. Alltogether, Existence is Futile somehow reminds me of CoF of olde, with Anabelle’s singing and some of the guitarwork too.
Maybe it’s wrong for me to expect them too much but that’s just because I love the band. But a band with such experience, the ability to stay consistent and relevant, are the most important traits here. They don’t need to impress anyone anymore. But the ability to create consistent line of albums, can be considered a strenght. And Cradle of Filth is strong. Thank you for a yet another great album.
ARTIST: Cradle of Filth
ALBUM: Existence is Futile
Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Symphonic black metal/gothic metal
Release date: October 22nd, 2021
Label: Nuclear Blast
Rating: 8.2/10 (great ?)

