This 2001 EP from Cradle of Filth (actually, it's a pretty long EP by most standards) was the bands only release on Spitfire Records, and it is sort of looked at as an interim CD before the release of the grand yet claustrophobic epic Damnation and a Day. Containing mostly newer tracks and a few reworkings of older songs, Bitter Suites to Succubi is nevertheless a fulfilling batch of symphonic black and death metal.
There's plenty of winners here, like the pounding "All Hope in Eclipse" which combines Dani Filth's death & black metal vocals (I wish he would use the death vocals more actually) with plenty of sledgehammer guitar riffs and intricate keyboard work. "Born in a Burial Gown" is a speed metal burner with plenty of intricate guitar passages and orchestral keyboards. Three songs are re-done from The Prince of Evil Made Flesh album, the title track, "Summer Dying Fast", and "The Black Goddess Rises II", and all sound a bit more polished and perhaps heavier than the original versions. There's even a killer cover of the Sisters of Mercy song "No Time to Cry", a blistering rendition featuring Dani's screeching & gothic vocals, nicely well done. "Suicide and Other Comforts" also features some gothic influence mixed with crushing black metal, and this one has a nice epic feel.
Another aspect of the CD are the instrumental cuts, which are as creepy and atmospheric as anything you will hear in the metal genre. Both "Sin Deep My Wicked Angel" and "Dinner At Deviant's Palace" would be perfect tracks to play at your next Halloween party, as they easily can send a chill up your spine.
This is quality stuff from a band that despite their garish appearance and sometimes over the top sounds, are quite creative and a hell of a good metal act. If you can get used to Dani Filth's demonic wailing, there's plenty of symphonic extreme metal to savor in the CoF catalog, and Bitter Suites to Succubi is a solid example.
Track Listing
1. Sin Deep My Wicked Angel
2. All Hope In Eclipse
3. Born In A Burial Gown
4. Summer Dying Fast
5. No Time To Cry
6. The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh
7. Suicide And Other Comforts
8. Dinner At Deviant's Palace
9. The Black Goddess Rises II
10. Scorched Earth Erotica
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