Cradle Of Filth Haunts The Varsity
Having been one of my most anticipated shows of the year, I was beyond thrilled to see Cradle Of Filth. Like, really really excited. Finally the day was here.
Wanted to do something a little different for dinner, popped over to surly for an Overrated IPA and a Six Different Timelines pizza (has vodka sauce vs the normie marinara, very delish.) It was a sunny day but a little too windy for this gal to hang on the patio, so people watched a bit inside at Pizza Upstairs before making my way to Dinky Town. Only a quick 6 min drive away, scored free parking in the neighborhoods before heading into Varsity.
The night’s opener Cultus Black is a different flavor than I traditionally savor, so was very curious of how they would be on stage. Spooky and energetic immediately, all members had the aura down. The blend of nu-metal and deathcore was definitely an exciting concoction. Songs like “Dissonance” and “You Make Me Sick” definitely gave me some Slipknot vibes (which is a good thing). These California boys know how to put on a show. Whether donning a horror mask made of burlap or some sweet makeup, every bandmate knew the assignment. Great intensity, fantastic way to start the show.
Fellow mid-westerners Ghost Bath took command of the stage as the second act. Hailing from North Dakota, Ghost Bath brought their blend of post-rock and depressive black metal to Varsity to a pretty filled out crowd at this point. Ghost Bath was well received. Playing songs that spanned albums Rose Thorn Necklace, Self-Loather and Burial (that I know of for sure) the band knows how to blend aggression with beautiful melodies that really bring you into their world. Ghost Bath was done almost as soon as they started. Would have loved a much longer set and hope they return sooner than later, they are headliner quality 100%.
NY Death metal legends Suffocation took over duties as the third act of the evening. Although the band has gone through multiple member changes, it has not affected the efficacy of the band whatsoever. Suffocation played an absolutely punishing set. For those familiar with Suffocation, there was no break or slow downs. Just in your face death metal for their nine song set. The pit boys in the crowd got things going during Suffocation as it was evident quite a few people were here for these guys. “Pierced from Within”, “Effigy of the Forgotten” and “Infecting the Crypts” were just a few of the bangers heard.
Last, but certainly not least the UK’s own Cradle of Filth! Haunting metal fans since 1991, was excited to see what was in store for us at Varsity tonight. Before you knew it, the lights dimmed and their eerie intro creeped from the speakers. The band emerged including a mysterious figure wearing a hood concealing his head. Off the hood came as the band ripped into “Live Deliciously” and Dani Filth’s infamous corpse-paint was in full view. Also recently going through their own lineup changes, Cradle of Filth has charged on, not losing any momentum. The additions of guitarist Joff Bailey and keyboardist Kelsey Peters have kept the band in motion and seem like a natural fit in the Cradle of Filth world.
Cradle played the most songs from their most recent album “Screaming of the Valkyries” but overall covered a lot of time eras. Going back to albums “Cruelty and the Beast”, “Midian” “The Principle of Evil Made Flesh” and “Nymphetamine”. The sound at Varsity was particularly good tonight, Cradle of Filth played clean and on point, really showcasing their musicianship. Every hook, melody and riff lit up the room while Dani’s signature scream emanated from a ghastly place of unknown origin. Kelsey Peters backing vocals (as Cradle has historically done) really add another dimension to the songs. The at times back and forth with Dani or even her own vocal part is a stand out aspect of the band, for me anyways.
The crowd was into it with some moshing taking place, especially during some of Cradle’s older songs. After 11 songs and ending with their all time classic “Her Ghost in the Fog”, the band said their goodbyes, but not before a group pic. ‘Twas an enjoyable four band bender in Minneapolis!
