Dusk… And Her Embrace has always been one of my favourites from Cradle, largely because it wonderfully captures the Gothic essence that I covet so much. Even the title evokes something primal and arcane, suggestive of a dark fate we ultimately must accept.
Of course, here I am reviewing the 2016 version, which contains the original recordings that had been shelved due to a legal battle.
Ironically, as with Total Fucking Darkness, my collection of this album was also beset by delivery maladies. Having been handled by more hands an adult film star, my filthy package had been left at a local cafe whose name was literally unknown to locals.
Only because a friend had once lived in the area as a child, was I able to figure out exactly where the pick-up location was, and finally bring it back to the office and proudly display it until my shift was over.
First, though, let’s really take a moment to appreciate the cover art here; it is exquisite in every way of the term.
Without a doubt one of favourite covers, but do the tracks embody this foreboding image? Absolutely.
In a lot of ways, there is something different to like with the sound and mixing here, in comparison to what was originally released.
As Dani said:
The material that we’d demoed for Dusk and Her Embrace needed the space and attention of a full album, so we saved it.
This doesn’t mean that one is better, but just that each offers an alternative take. If the 1996 release was like meeting a vampire; aristocratic and all, this is like meeting Dracula; ancient and dirty, but still got what it takes.
It’s hard really to add more to this, and I think that is kind of apt.
The music contained within The Original Sin is just that; the virgin vision, and unless you strangely don’t like the idea of that, you should enjoy each and every track. There is still an elegance to them despite their nature.
Rather, this is more of an experience overall; the combination of the artwork and timeless original tracks creates a unique mix.
The summarise then, I can’t take anything from Cradle with this release. It’s a great piece for any fan and collection, and will no doubt be remembered in a manner fitting of one of their strongest albums.
10/10
Dawn of Eternity 