Hammer of the Witches
by Cradle of Filth
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
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  1. TixyLix
    Jul 11, 2015
    6
    It's noway near their best work, it's mostly forgettable and just feels like B sides of Damnation and a Day + Midian (if they have any) mixed together. However The past few albums have been so bad that at least it's actually alright, even if it is rather generic. There is no stand out song, they don't hit the heights they did in Principle to Nymphetamine, but at least it's a step in theIt's noway near their best work, it's mostly forgettable and just feels like B sides of Damnation and a Day + Midian (if they have any) mixed together. However The past few albums have been so bad that at least it's actually alright, even if it is rather generic. There is no stand out song, they don't hit the heights they did in Principle to Nymphetamine, but at least it's a step in the right direction.

    However for me Cradle of Filth are songs like...

    Swansong for a Raven
    Saffron's Curse
    Queen of Winter Throned
    The Black Goddess Rises
    A Gothic Romance
    Beneath the Howling Stars
    Tearing the Veil from Grace

    For some reason CoF haven't been able to replicate that, they've gone for a much more generic Metal sound, something I never associated them with in the past. I guess what they did before was hard to pull off live? This album seems like it's much more focused around that since the orchestral stuff is pretty much dropped :    … Expand
  2. bmcskim
    Jul 14, 2015
    9
    A mix of the hooks of Nymphetamine, and the more challenging Midian, Hammer Of the Witches is simply the most inspired Cradle of Filth album since Cruelty and the Beast. The thrash-y elements more prominent in former guitarist Paul Allender's recent contributions are there in smaller amounts, and work well amidst the more melodic elements. The vocals are satisfyingly brutal, the bass isA mix of the hooks of Nymphetamine, and the more challenging Midian, Hammer Of the Witches is simply the most inspired Cradle of Filth album since Cruelty and the Beast. The thrash-y elements more prominent in former guitarist Paul Allender's recent contributions are there in smaller amounts, and work well amidst the more melodic elements. The vocals are satisfyingly brutal, the bass is very clever, the drums once again breathtaking and the symphonic backings are not too overpowering. Keen listeners may be reminded of Nemesis, Gilded **** and The Death of Love along the way. The bonus songs are decent but probably the weakest two of the album. Overall, a true return-to-form that should please fans of most Cradle Of Filth eras.… Expand
  3. TheDarkTyrant
    Apr 1, 2016
    10
    This is by far, one of their best.... and I mean, their best comeback! I purchased their album when it came out and I gotta say, it is fantastic. The songs are brilliant, Schoolcraft is amazing as a vocalist, and Dani's voice are hardcore brutal. Take a step back for a second to think what Cradle worked on in the past! They formed in 1991, which was 25 years ago! They will never stop andThis is by far, one of their best.... and I mean, their best comeback! I purchased their album when it came out and I gotta say, it is fantastic. The songs are brilliant, Schoolcraft is amazing as a vocalist, and Dani's voice are hardcore brutal. Take a step back for a second to think what Cradle worked on in the past! They formed in 1991, which was 25 years ago! They will never stop and that is what I love about Cradle. Not only are they hardworking musicians, they take their time to work on an album! I am very pleased they came back! All hail the gods of metal! Cradle of Filth is back!… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Record Collector
    Jul 17, 2015
    60
    A welcome return to form.
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  2. Consequence
    Jul 14, 2015
    67
    Any environmentalist messages, though, are deeply buried beneath layers of cobwebbed gothic lyricism.... Every member excels here, contributing to one of Cradle of Filth’s best and most fun records in almost a decade.
    Read full review
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 9, 2015
    80
    Hammer of the Witches is the post-Midian release fans have been asking for while retaining the riff-oriented sound the band have been attempting for the past 15 years--only this time they’ve actually pulled it all off.
    Read full review
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