Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa
Encyclopedia
Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa is the ninth studio album
by English extreme metal band Cradle of Filth
. It was released on November 1, 2010 by Peaceville Records
. Earlier the album was erroneously referred to as All Hallows Eve, probably because the announced release date was close to Halloween
.
It is the band's only album to feature keyboardist Ashley Ellyllon.
in the same vein as its predecessor Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder
; this time centering on the demon Lilith
, the first wife of the Biblical Adam
. Dani Filth
revealed to Metal Hammer
in September 2010 that it will be a "feminine" companion piece to Godspeed, "which was a very masculine album, obviously due to its protagonist, Gilles De Rais
." Unlike previous historically-based concept albums Godspeed and Cruelty and the Beast
, Darkly, Darkly will tell an original story. "It's about the resurgence of Lilith into modern society as a deity," Filth said. "There's a bit of Victoriana
in there. Essentially, at heart, it's a nice gothic horror story." Reference to Greek mythology
and the Knights Templar
will also be made, in what's referred to by the label as "a dark tapestry of horror, madness and twisted sex". At an early stage of the album's development in late 2009, Filth hinted that its sound is "creepily melodic, like Mercyful Fate
or a dark Iron Maiden
". The Metal Hammer interview also likens it to King Diamond
.
On August 20, 2010 a free mp3 of the track "Lilith Immaculate" was released by the band as reward for signing up for a mailing list following the album's development. The standard edition of the album will consist of 11 tracks, while the limited edition is planned to have a total of 16.
The new album's website was launched on September 6, 7 o'clock GMT, as a subdomain of peaceville.com. The website, according to Dani Filth's greeting on the front page, will be subject to constant update with news until the release of the album. The site features lyrics for 'Lilith Immaculate', gallery, desktop and mobile phone wallpapers.
The website was updated on September 16. It features a video on the front page, on which all members of the band talk about the upcoming album. Topics include the story behind the title and the album itself. A brief preview of a new song can be heard at the beginning of the video.
The edited versions of the songs were released for streaming on the band's website began on the 22 September, up until the album's release.
On September 29, 2010 Cradle of Filth released the first official video of the album for the track "Forgive Me Father (I Have Sinned)."
The core album is the band's first to not feature any instrumental tracks. The special edition bonus track "Adest Rosa Secreta Eros", is arguably an instrumental, but features extensive narrative excerpts taken from Aleister Crowley
's The Book of the Law
.
rated it 9 out of 10 and said "Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa displays a masterful control over the multi-faceted Cradle of Filth sound; brutal vocal gymnastics, skull-rattling double-kicks, symphonic flourishes, dramatic narrative
and balls-out axe-slinging all make their presence known, but in a manner which routinely serves to bolster the coherency of the greater whole".
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by English extreme metal band Cradle of Filth
Cradle of Filth
Cradle of Filth are an English extreme metal band, formed in Suffolk in 1991. The band's musical style evolved from black metal to a cleaner and more "produced" amalgam of gothic metal, symphonic black metal, and other extreme metal styles, while their lyrical themes and imagery are heavily...
. It was released on November 1, 2010 by Peaceville Records
Peaceville Records
Peaceville Records is a British independent metal-oriented record label. The label was founded by Paul "Hammy" Halmshaw in 1987, in Dewsbury, England...
. Earlier the album was erroneously referred to as All Hallows Eve, probably because the announced release date was close to Halloween
Halloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
.
It is the band's only album to feature keyboardist Ashley Ellyllon.
Recording and production
Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa is a concept albumConcept album
In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing...
in the same vein as its predecessor Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder
Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder
Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder is the eighth studio album by English extreme metal band Cradle of Filth. It was released on October 27, 2008 by Roadrunner Records. A special edition containing bonus material was also released...
; this time centering on the demon Lilith
Lilith
Lilith is a character in Jewish mythology, found earliest in the Babylonian Talmud, who is generally thought to be related to a class of female demons Līlīṯu in Mesopotamian texts. However, Lowell K. Handy notes, "Very little information has been found relating to the Akkadian and Babylonian view...
, the first wife of the Biblical Adam
Adam
Adam is a figure in the Book of Genesis. According to the creation myth of Abrahamic religions, he is the first human. In the Genesis creation narratives, he was created by Yahweh-Elohim , and the first woman, Eve was formed from his rib...
. Dani Filth
Dani Filth
Dani Filth is the lyricist, vocalist and founding member of the metal band Cradle of Filth.-Personal life:...
revealed to Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer is a monthly heavy metal music magazine published in the United Kingdom by Future Publishing, and in several other countries by different publishers. Metal Hammer articles feature both mainstream bands and more unusual acts from the whole spectrum of heavy metal music...
in September 2010 that it will be a "feminine" companion piece to Godspeed, "which was a very masculine album, obviously due to its protagonist, Gilles De Rais
Gilles de Rais
Gilles de Montmorency-Laval , Baron de Rais, was a Breton knight, a leader in the French army and a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc. He is best known as a prolific serial killer of children...
." Unlike previous historically-based concept albums Godspeed and Cruelty and the Beast
Cruelty and the Beast
Cruelty and the Beast is the third studio album by English extreme metal band Cradle of Filth. It is a concept album based on the legend of the Hungarian "blood countess" Elizabeth Báthory...
, Darkly, Darkly will tell an original story. "It's about the resurgence of Lilith into modern society as a deity," Filth said. "There's a bit of Victoriana
Victoriana
Victoriana refers to items or material from the Victorian period , especially those particularly evocative of the design style and outlook of the time....
in there. Essentially, at heart, it's a nice gothic horror story." Reference to Greek mythology
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
and the Knights Templar
Knights Templar
The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon , commonly known as the Knights Templar, the Order of the Temple or simply as Templars, were among the most famous of the Western Christian military orders...
will also be made, in what's referred to by the label as "a dark tapestry of horror, madness and twisted sex". At an early stage of the album's development in late 2009, Filth hinted that its sound is "creepily melodic, like Mercyful Fate
Mercyful Fate
Mercyful Fate was a Danish heavy metal band from Copenhagen. Initially active from 1981 to 1985, they reunited in 1992. The band went on hiatus again in 2000, when frontman King Diamond decided to continue his solo career...
or a dark Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
". The Metal Hammer interview also likens it to King Diamond
King Diamond
Kim Bendix Petersen , better known by his stage name King Diamond, is a Grammy Award nominated Danish heavy metal musician. As a vocalist, he is known for his extensive vocal range, in particular his usage of falsetto. He is the lead vocalist for both Mercyful Fate and the eponymous King Diamond...
.
On August 20, 2010 a free mp3 of the track "Lilith Immaculate" was released by the band as reward for signing up for a mailing list following the album's development. The standard edition of the album will consist of 11 tracks, while the limited edition is planned to have a total of 16.
The new album's website was launched on September 6, 7 o'clock GMT, as a subdomain of peaceville.com. The website, according to Dani Filth's greeting on the front page, will be subject to constant update with news until the release of the album. The site features lyrics for 'Lilith Immaculate', gallery, desktop and mobile phone wallpapers.
The website was updated on September 16. It features a video on the front page, on which all members of the band talk about the upcoming album. Topics include the story behind the title and the album itself. A brief preview of a new song can be heard at the beginning of the video.
The edited versions of the songs were released for streaming on the band's website began on the 22 September, up until the album's release.
On September 29, 2010 Cradle of Filth released the first official video of the album for the track "Forgive Me Father (I Have Sinned)."
The core album is the band's first to not feature any instrumental tracks. The special edition bonus track "Adest Rosa Secreta Eros", is arguably an instrumental, but features extensive narrative excerpts taken from Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley , born Edward Alexander Crowley, and also known as both Frater Perdurabo and The Great Beast, was an influential English occultist, astrologer, mystic and ceremonial magician, responsible for founding the religious philosophy of Thelema. He was also successful in various other...
's The Book of the Law
The Book of the Law
Liber AL vel Legis is the central sacred text of Thelema, written by Aleister Crowley in Cairo, Egypt in the year 1904. Its full title is Liber AL vel Legis, sub figura CCXX, as delivered by XCIII=418 to DCLXVI, and it is commonly referred to as The Book of the Law.Liber AL vel Legis contains three...
.
Reception
The album received mainly good reviews. Thom Jurek at Allmusic.com said that it "is tightly focused, employing COF's trademark orchestral and keyboard elements to fine effect, with wildly intense... blastbeats from Marthus Skaroupka, and screaming guitars... courtesy of Paul Allender and James McEllroy. The concentration on writing and arrangement is disciplined, with a strong set of dynamics, a terrific mix, and great production". Pete Withers at Rock SoundRock Sound
Rock Sound is a British magazine which champions rock music. The magazine aims at being more "underground" and less commercial, whilst also giving coverage to more well known acts.-History:...
rated it 9 out of 10 and said "Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa displays a masterful control over the multi-faceted Cradle of Filth sound; brutal vocal gymnastics, skull-rattling double-kicks, symphonic flourishes, dramatic narrative
Narrative
A narrative is a constructive format that describes a sequence of non-fictional or fictional events. The word derives from the Latin verb narrare, "to recount", and is related to the adjective gnarus, "knowing" or "skilled"...
and balls-out axe-slinging all make their presence known, but in a manner which routinely serves to bolster the coherency of the greater whole".
Track listing
Limited fan edition
On September 30, 2010 an email was forwarded to all who had subscribed to Cradle of Filth's mailing list on Peaceville Records informing them of the ultimate fan edition of their album Darkly, Darkly Venus Aversa. The fans’s edition comes packaged in a deluxe hard box containing:- 2CDs – the album plus a disc of bonus tracks and demos (including Adest Rosa Secreta Eros, an exclusive track that will not be available on any other edition of the album)
- DVD – the promo video for Forgive Me Father (I Have Sinned) plus a documentary on the making of the video
- A 64 page hard-back book containing band photos, musings and artwork
- An exclusive t-shirt available only in this box
- A stunning limited edition lenticular 3D image of the album cover art, ready for framing
- Five photographic prints
- An official certificate of authenticity from the band
Cradle Of Filth
- Dani Filth: Vocals
- Paul Allender: Lead & Rhythm Guitar
- James McEllroy: Lead & Rhythm Guitar
- Ashley Ellyllon - Keyboards
- Mark Newby-Robson: Orchestrations
- Dave Pybus: Bass
- Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka: Drums, Percussion
Additional Personnel
- Andy James: Additional Lead GuitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
- Anna Asbach-Cullen, Tim Cutts, Dora Kemp, Phillipa Mann, Ruth McCabe, Craig Miller: ChoirChoirA choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
& ChoraleChoraleA chorale was originally a hymn sung by a Christian congregation. In certain modern usage, this term may also include classical settings of such hymns and works of a similar character....
(arrangements by Mark Newby-Robson) - Lucy Atkins: Female Vocals
Production
- Produced By Scott Atkins, Doug Cook & Dani Filth
- Engineered By Scott Atkins & Doug Cook
- Mixed By Scott Atkins
- Mastered By "Sneapy Hollow" (akaPseudonymA pseudonym is a name that a person assumes for a particular purpose and that differs from his or her original orthonym...
Andy SneapAndy SneapAndy "Undie" Sneap is an English record producer, recording engineer, mixer, guitarist, and songwriter. He is best known for producing and mixing many acclaimed heavy metal albums.-Musician:...
)
Charts
| Chart (2010) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart | 89 |
| Austrian Albums Chart | 50 |
| Canadian Albums Chart Canadian Albums Chart The Canadian Albums Chart is the official album sales chart in Canada. It is compiled every Wednesday by U.S.-based music sales tracking company Nielsen Soundscan, and published every Thursday by Jam! Canoe and Billboard, along with its sister charts the Canadian Singles Chart and the Canadian BDS... |
70 |
| German Albums Chart | 43 |
| UK Albums Chart | 95 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
99 |
| US Independent Albums Independent Albums The Billboard Independent Albums is a chart of the highest-selling independent music albums and extended plays in the United States, compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is used to list artists who are not signed to major labels... |
10 |
| US Hard Rock Albums | 7 |