Where Cradle of Filth has a reputation as a band given to theatrical presentations and the occasional flight of fancy, guitarist Paul Allender is a man who speaks much in the same way he plays; straightforward, without wandering decoration and totally unique to him. As Cradle of Filth gets ready to spring their new album "The Manticore and Other Horrors" on the world, Allender and I sat down for the second time to discuss the album, the band's history, the martial arts, and a small army of odds and ends. It was at all points an entertaining and enlightening conversation about the man and his music.
It takes a uniquely creative mind to be the burgeoning force behind the free-wheeling, exploratory and atmospheric riffs that power the band Cradle of Filth. Paul Allender is that mind and is that man. Recently, I got a chance to fire some questions at Paul concerning his band, his music and his art.
After several years of cooking, outspoken Cradle of Filth frontman Dani Filth has completed his book, "Gospel of Filth." The book serves both as a chronology of the band and their influences, as well as a complete study of the occult and man's obsession with it throughout history.
Each chapter is filled with parallels between the occult and themes found in horror, heavy metal, black metal, comic books, literature, and just about every other facet of popular culture. Many luminaries in each field are showcased or interviewed. I recently had the opportunity to talk to Dani concerning the book, and his career as a whole.
