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| Released = 27 October 2008
| Released = 27 October 2008
| Recorded = Backstage Studios, [[Derbyshire]], England, March–July 2008
| Recorded = Backstage Studios, [[Derbyshire]], England, March–July 2008
| Genre = [[Extreme metal]]
| Genre = [[Extreme metal]], [[gothic metal]], [[symphonic metal]]
| Length = 71:22
| Length = 71:22
| Label = [[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]]
| Label = [[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]]

Revision as of 05:20, 24 June 2015

Untitled

Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder (subtitled The Life and Crimes of Gilles de Rais) is the eighth studio album by English extreme metal band Cradle of Filth. It was released on 27 October 2008, through Roadrunner Records. It is the band's third concept album, after Cruelty and the Beast (1998) and Midian (2000), dealing with the life of the 15th Century French character Gilles de Rais.

Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder is Cradle of Filth's first album as a four-piece, rather than its usual six-man staple. It is also the last album to feature backing vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva (although she briefly returned for Midnight in the Labyrinth in 2012) and the first to feature drummer Martin Škaroupka, replacing Adrian Erlandsson. Once again, Doug Bradley provides narration for the album (as with Midian, Nymphetamine and Thornography). The title of the album derives from a valediction vocalist Dani Filth once used to sign a letter.[1]

Recording and production

The album was produced by Sabbat guitarist Andy Sneap, who had previously worked with Cradle of Filth while mixing the band's 2006 album, Thornography.

The band's official message boards recently revealed parts of an interview with guitarist Paul Allender, conducted by Média Matin Québec: "We already have four new songs ready and I have to say that they are... much faster than the songs on Thornography. [They] sound like old Cradle of Filth... A mixture of Midian and Dusk...." The interview goes on to state that the album will be followed by a European and American tour. Dani Filth has described the album as, "our most extreme, dramatic and deeply disturbing album to date. The legend of Gilles de Rais has been given fresh, vampyrical life in this conceptual meisterwerk, swathed in pitch-black magic and a viciousness unsurpassed in the annals of Cradle history. Screw what our detractors say, everyone who has heard this album has bruised their jaws on the pentagram-bejewelled floor."[2]

In an interview with Blistering magazine, Filth revealed that three additional songs were recorded during the album sessions, among them an instrumental piece and a cover of Celtic Frost's "Into the Crypts of Rays".[1] On the topic of their absence from the album, Filth has stated that they "were taken out so that the album wasn't too long. They'll turn up somewhere."[1] They were ultimately included on the special edition.

Concept

In an interview published in February 2009, Dani talked about Gilles de Rais, and how his story manifests on Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder:

After Joan of Arc's death, he slid into a life of debauchery, which ended up with him trying to reclaim his fortune through alchemy and witchcraft. This led him to murder and kidnapping. He was eventually arrested by the Catholic Church and tried. It's a great gothic sort of fairytale story, because he's a very pious man at the beginning, turns extremely evil... The story runs concurrently throughout the album, it's not just vague ideas orbiting a main satellite. It's a story, and the narrative is actually taken from trial transcripts that were taken down in secular court at the time of his judgement.[3]

Promotion and release

On 21 July 2008, the band revealed the title and track listing of the new album.[4] The track "Tragic Kingdom", was made available for free download by Roadrunner Records on 27 August 2008,[5] while 30-second samples of each track on the album were made available on Amazon.de on 27 September.[6] The track "Honey and Sulphur" was the album's first single, and has been made available for purchase on the iTunes Store. A music video for the song was filmed at the Chislehurst Caves of Kent.[7][8] In addition, "Midnight Shadows Crawl to Darken Counsel with Life" was available for streaming on the band's official website.[9] A video for "The Death of Love" was released on 31 July 2009.[10] Andy Sneap has mixed a new version of the song for the video.

A special edition containing a bonus disc was also released.[11] The album peaked at number 48 on the Billboard 200 chart,[12] with sales of a little over 11,000 copies.[13]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[14]
Blistering[15]
ChartAttack(mixed)[16]
IGN(7.2/10)[17]
Kerrang![18]
PopMatters[19]
Terrorizer[20]
Chronicles of Chaos(7/10)[21]
Metal Storm[22]
Blabbermouth.net[23]
  • "...Grandiose, epic but still feral... eclipses the relatively weak Thornography... mixes scorching dynamics, atmosphere and overblown theatrics..." (Paul Travers, Kerrang! issue 1223, 25 October 2008)
  • "...Ticks all the band's usual boxes, while also boasting genuine narrative depth and real emotional resonance... Cradle's heaviest album yet and their strongest set of songs..." (Dom Lawson, Metal Hammer, November 2008)
  • "...A much more cohesive, consistent and convincing album than Cradle have made for ages... Too samey to justify 71 minutes, but ultimately this is cracking..." (Chris Chantler, Terrorizer issue 177, December 2008)

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Dani Filth; all music is composed by Paul Allender, Mark Newby-Robson and Cradle of Filth, except where indicated

No.TitleLength
1."In Grandeur and Frankincense Devilment Stirs"2:27
2."Shat Out of Hell"5:03
3."The Death of Love"7:13
4."The 13th Caesar"5:35
5."Tiffauges"2:14
6."Tragic Kingdom"5:59
7."Sweetest Maleficia"5:59
8."Honey and Sulphur"5:37
9."Midnight Shadows Crawl to Darken Counsel with Life"8:58
10."Darkness Incarnate"8:55
11."Ten Leagues Beneath Contempt"4:58
12."Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder"5:36
13."Corpseflower"2:41
Limited Edition bonus disc
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Balsamic and Anathema" 6:05
2."A Thousand Hands on the Maid of Ruin" 8:04
3."Into the Crypt of Rays" (Celtic Frost cover)Thomas Gabriel Fischer4:10
4."Devil to the Metal"Cradle of Filth6:17
5."Courting Baphomet"Cradle of Filth5:17
6."The Love of Death" (remix) 5:13
7."The Death of Love" (demo) 7:16
8."The 13th Caesar" (demo) 5:27
9."Dirge Inferno" (live at Electric Factory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 31 October 2007)Cradle of Filth6:45
10."Dusk and Her Embrace" (live at Electric Factory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 31 October 2007)Cradle of Filth5:46
Total length:60:20

Personnel

Cradle of Filth

Additional personnel

  • Mark Newby-Robson – keyboards, vocals on demo tracks
  • Carolyn Gretton – lead female vocals
  • Stephen Svanholm – baritone voice
  • Doug Bradley – lead narration
  • Luna Scarlett Davey – narration
  • Elissa Devins, Julie Devins, Leanne Harrison, Carolyn Gretton, Tonya Kay, Rachel Marshall-Clarke, Liz Willgoose, Laura Willgoose - choir

Production

  • Andy Sneap – producer, engineer, mixing, mastering
  • Doug Cook – producer, engineer
  • Scott Atkins – engineer, mixing of live tracks
  • "Devil to the Metal" and "Courting Baphomet" produced by Rob Caggiano and Cradle of Filth, engineered by Dan Turner
  • David Ho – album artwork
  • Travis Smith - design
  • Daragh McDonagh – sleeve photography
  • Eternal Spirits – costumes in sleeve photography

Charts

Year Chart Position
2008 Finnish Albums Chart[24] 24
German Albums Chart[25] 37
Australian Albums Chart[26] 46
Billboard 200 (USA)[12] 48
Swedish Albums Chart[27] 49
Ultratop Belgian Chart (Wallonia)[28] 50
Austrian Albums Chart[29] 53
GfK Dutch Chart[30] 53
Ultratop Belgian Chart (Flanders)[31] 55
Swiss Albums Chart[32] 56
French Albums Chart[33] 64
UK Albums Chart[34] 73
Oricon Japanese Albums Chart[35] 143

References

  1. ^ a b c Gehlke, David E. "Cradle of Filth Feature Interview". Blistering. Retrieved 28 April 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ "Cradle of Filth Frontman Explains New Album's Concept". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 28 July 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  3. ^ Powers, Nicole (26 February 2009). "Dani Filth: Cradle Of Filth". Suicide Girls. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  4. ^ "Cradle Of Filth unveil new album track listing". Kerrang!. 21 July 2008. Archived from the original on 1 August 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ "Cradle of Filth: New Song Available For Free Download". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 27 August 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  6. ^ Amazon.de: Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder
  7. ^ "Behind the scenes of "Honey and Sulphur" - the video". MySpace. 13 October 2008. Archived from the original on 16 October 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ "Videos - "Honey & Sulphur" - Cradle Of Filth". Roadrunner Records. 24 October 2008. Archived from the original on 24 October 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2014. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 26 October 2008 suggested (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ "Cradle of Filth: New Song To Be Made Available Tomorrow". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 7 October 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  10. ^ "Cradle Of Filth Reveal New Video Plus Go Behind The Scenes". Roadrunner Records. 1 August 2009. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  11. ^ "Cradle of Filth: 'Godspeed' Special Edition, Vinyl Versions Detailed". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 12 September 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  12. ^ a b "Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder – Cradle of Filth | Billboard.com". billboard.com. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  13. ^ "Cradle of Filth's 'Godspeed' Cracks U.S. Top 50". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 5 November 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  14. ^ Jurek, Thom. "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed On the Devil's Thunder review". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  15. ^ Gehlke, David E. "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed On the Devil's Thunder". Blistering. Retrieved 28 April 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ Harper, Kate (11 December 2008). "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed On the Devil's Thunder". ChartAttack. Archived from the original on 19 December 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ Kaz, Jim (3 November 2008). "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed On the Devil's Thunder Review". IGN. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  18. ^ Travers, Paul (25 October 2008). "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed On the Devil's Thunder". Kerrang! (1223).
  19. ^ Begrand, Adrien (30 October 2008). "Cradle of Filth: Godspeed On the Devil's Thunder". PopMatters. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  20. ^ Chantler, Chris (December 2008). "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed On the Devil's Thunder". Terrorizer (177).
  21. ^ Williams, Paul (13 December 2008). "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed On the Devil's Thunder". Chronicles of Chaos. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  22. ^ Anderson, Baz (3 November 2008). "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed On the Devil's Thunder". Metal Storm. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  23. ^ Ogle, Ryan (15 December 2008). "Cradle of Filth - "Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder"". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  24. ^ "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder (album)". Finnishcharts.com. Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  25. ^ "Album – Cradle of Filth, Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder". Charts.de (in German). Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  26. ^ "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder (album)". Australian-charts.com. Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  27. ^ "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder (album)". Swedishcharts.com. Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  28. ^ "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder". Ultratop (in French). Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  29. ^ "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder (album)". Austriancharts.at (in German). Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  30. ^ "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder (album)". GfK Dutch Charts (in Dutch). Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  31. ^ "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder". Ultratop (in Dutch). Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  32. ^ "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder". Hitparade.ch (in German). Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  33. ^ "Cradle of Filth - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder (album)". Lescharts.com (in French). Media Control Charts. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  34. ^ "Artist Chart History - Cradle of Filth". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  35. ^ クレイドル・オブ・フィルスのアルバム売り上げランキング (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
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