Album Review: Cradle of Filth – Trouble And Their Double Lives (Napalm Records)

As fans anxiously await the studio follow up to Cradle Of Filth’s highly acclaimed 2021 full-length album, Existence Is Futile, the extreme metal legends led by iconic frontman Dani Filth have unleashed a thirst-quencher of epic proportions – their first live album to be released in over 20 years, Trouble And Their Double Lives, set for release on April 28th, 2023 via Napalm Records.

Recorded between 2014 and 2019 at different performances in the USA, Europe, Australia and beyond during their “Cryptoriana World Tour” and dates following. Trouble And Their Double Lives will be available in several formats including digital, CD digi-sleeve and multiple limited, coloured vinyl variants, in addition to a Die-Hard edition and Deluxe Box – the latter of which is limited to an eerie 666 copies.

We do love a live album here at GBHBL. We also happen to love Cradle of Filth. So, the combination of the two, and the fact that it has been over 20 years since they last released a live album, certainly makes this a hot prospect. Then throw in the fact that it features two new studio tracks, and that the selection of live offerings is varied across their entire extensive career. It’s the perfect offering to tide fans over while they await what is next to come from the black metal legends.

Focusing on the two new tracks first, She is a Fire opens the album and it is a Cradle of Filth banger. With a massive rhythm section, gothic melodies, and blackened fire. Fitting in nicely alongside their most recent work. Whereas later, the thumping gargantuan tome of blackened intensity that is Demon Prince Regent sees the group running wild with speeding ferocity. Both tracks are good, very much in keeping with what Cradle of Filth have been doing over the past few years.

Now, it’s all about the live tracks and goodness, does Cradle of Filth deliver here. Touching upon their entire career but also showcasing some of the lesser played tracks such as Born in a Burial Gown, Bathory Aria, and Haunted Shores. There’s no sign of the likes of Her Ghost in the Fog, which is so refreshing (even if that track is an absolute banger). So, if you’re a long-time fan of Cradle of Filth and want to hear a different live experience, this record will certainly deliver. Though, of course, there are plenty of ‘hits’ too. Tracks like Nymphetamine (Fix), Desire in Violent Overture, and Gilded Cunt.

What else makes this a must-listen live album? Well, it’s only our favourite thing and it’s the wonderful fact that it sounds live. From the sound of a crowd, to the small changes that differentiate this from a clean, studio recording, to the versatile adaptions that Cradle of Filth make to reflect the ‘on stage’ aspect of their performance. It makes you hunger for the next time you get to see the epic black metal band in all their garish flesh.

Cradle of Filth – Trouble And Their Double Lives Track Listing:

1. She is a Fire (New Studio Track)
2. Heaven Torn Asunder (Live)
3. Blackest Magick in Practice (Live)
4. Honey and Sulphur (Live)
5. Nymphetamine (Fix) (Live)
6. Born in a Burial Gown (Live)
7. Desire in Violent Overture (Live)
8. Bathory Aria (Live)
9. The Death of Love (Bonus Track)
10. Demon Prince Regent (New Studio Track)
11. Heartbreak and Séance (Live)
12. Right Wing of the Garden Triptych (Live)
13. The Promise of Fever (Live)
14. Haunted Shores (Live)
15. Gilded Cunt (Live)
16. Saffron’s Curse (Live)
17. Lustmord and Wargasm (The Lick of Carnivorous Winds) (Live)
18. You will Know the Lion by his Claw (Bonus Track)

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