Damnation and a Day
Cradle of Filth · 2003
76 min · 17 tracks · gothic metal
Gothic symphonies intertwine with ferocious riffs, creating a darkly theatrical soundscape that is both grand and intense.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Promise of Fever Start here — This track highlights the band's signature blend of melodic hooks and aggressive instrumentation, encapsulating the thematic intensity present throughout the album.
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Carrion — With its haunting chorus and intricate arrangement, Carrion exemplifies the emotional depth and lyrical complexity that defines this record.
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Better to Reign in Hell — This track stands out for its dynamic shifts between serene melodies and fierce metal passages, showcasing the band’s ability to weave contrasting elements seamlessly.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's orchestral depth and smooth transitions create a cohesive and distinct gothic metal experience.
What we noticed
- The album features orchestral arrangements that complement the heavy guitar riffs, creating a layered soundscape.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments and choral elements, adding to the theatricality of the overall presentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- theatrical narratives with dramatic peaks
- wave-like pacing that ebbs flows
- immersive storytelling for focused listening
- dark atmosphere for late nights
- emotional intensity with symphonic elements
Maybe skip if you
- skip if seeking instant gratification
- not suited for casual background
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked a significant commercial and critical step for the band.
- Themes
- gothic horror· symphonic darkness· infernal rebellion
- Career context
- Released on March 25, 2003, Damnation and a Day marked Cradle of Filth's sixth studio album and was their first concept album. Following the commercial success of their previous record, Midian, this album further solidified their position within the extreme metal genre while showcasing a more ambitious and orchestrated approach to songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dimmu Borgir· Nightwish· Type O Negative
Tracklist
- 1 A Bruise Upon the Silent Moon 2:03
- 2 The Promise of Fever Start here 5:56
- 3 Hurt and Virtue 5:23
- 4 An Enemy Led the Tempest 6:12
- 5 Damned in Any Language (A Plague on Words) 1:57
- 6 Better to Reign in Hell 6:11
- 7 Serpent Tongue 5:10
- 8 Carrion 4:43
- 9 The Mordant Liquor of Tears 2:35
- 10 Presents From the Poison-Hearted 6:19
- 11 Doberman Pharaoh 6:03
- 12 Babalon A.D. (So Glad for the Madness) 5:37
- 13 A Scarlet Witch Lit the Season 1:34
- 14 Mannequin 4:26
- 15 Thank God for the Suffering 6:13
- 16 The Smoke of Her Burning 5:00
- 17 End of Daze 1:24
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Once
Nightwish
Shares orchestral arrangements and a grand, theatrical atmosphere with dark themes.
October Rust
Type O Negative
Explores gothic romance and despair with a similar blend of heaviness and melody.
Aégis
Theatre of Tragedy
Combines gothic elements with symphonic layers and dramatic storytelling in a similarly dark context.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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