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The Gospel of Filth: A Bible of Decadence & Darkness
The Gospel of Filth is the boldest, most comprehensive guide to the realms of darkness and devilry ever published. Taking in every significant milestone and major landmark, this lavishly illustrated volume is the definitive study of the dark side. No tombstone remains unturned in this wide-ranging and witty dissection of the uncanny and unholy, of the esoteric and erotic. Music forms The Gospel's entry point, but every medium, from movies and literature, to comics and computer games is considered, while the authorities consulted range from Oxford academics to metal musicians as well known for their criminal records as musical ones.
The principal consultant is Dani Filth, who rides shotgun with author Gavin Baddeley, providing insight and impish irreverence at every turn. Dani's band Cradle of Filth are one of England's most successful and controversial musical exports of the past decade, loved and loathed in equal measure, the singer bringing that same provocative edge to this, his first literary effort. Emerging from the violent cauldron of chaos that propelled the black metal scene to the forefront of the extreme music scene in the early-90s, Cradle of Filth have since transcended such subcultural boundaries, embracing the likes of Decadent art and Gothic literature to create an inimitable, sensuously sinister style all of their own.
Experts consulted range from ex-FBI Agent Robert Ressler (who first coined the term 'serial killer'), to world expert on psychoactive drugs Richard Rudgley, via Satanic High Priest Peter Gilmore. Legendary horror film director Dario Argento gives insight into his art, as do War of the Worlds composer Jeff Wayne, controversial art director Nigel Wingrove, Lovecraftian artist John Coulthart, and ghost photographer Simon Marsden.
A galaxy of dark stars from the modern musical world are also represented, with original words from the likes of Tom Araya (Slayer), Pete Steele (Type O Negative), Sharon del Adel (Within Temptation), Glen Benton (Deicide), Ville Valo (HIM), James Hetfield (Metallica), Adam 'Nergal' Darski (Behemoth), Bard 'Faust' Eithun (ex-Emperor), Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil), Jason Mendonca (Akercocke), Andi Sex Gang (Sex Gang Children), King of Hell (Gorgoroth), Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost), Chad Gray (Mudvayne), Le'rue Delashay (Christian Death), Montalo (Witchfynde), Jinx Dawson (Coven), Metatron (The Meads of Asphodel), John Bush (Armored Saint), Andrea Haugen (Nebelhexe), and many more.
The principal consultant is Dani Filth, who rides shotgun with author Gavin Baddeley, providing insight and impish irreverence at every turn. Dani's band Cradle of Filth are one of England's most successful and controversial musical exports of the past decade, loved and loathed in equal measure, the singer bringing that same provocative edge to this, his first literary effort. Emerging from the violent cauldron of chaos that propelled the black metal scene to the forefront of the extreme music scene in the early-90s, Cradle of Filth have since transcended such subcultural boundaries, embracing the likes of Decadent art and Gothic literature to create an inimitable, sensuously sinister style all of their own.
Experts consulted range from ex-FBI Agent Robert Ressler (who first coined the term 'serial killer'), to world expert on psychoactive drugs Richard Rudgley, via Satanic High Priest Peter Gilmore. Legendary horror film director Dario Argento gives insight into his art, as do War of the Worlds composer Jeff Wayne, controversial art director Nigel Wingrove, Lovecraftian artist John Coulthart, and ghost photographer Simon Marsden.
A galaxy of dark stars from the modern musical world are also represented, with original words from the likes of Tom Araya (Slayer), Pete Steele (Type O Negative), Sharon del Adel (Within Temptation), Glen Benton (Deicide), Ville Valo (HIM), James Hetfield (Metallica), Adam 'Nergal' Darski (Behemoth), Bard 'Faust' Eithun (ex-Emperor), Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil), Jason Mendonca (Akercocke), Andi Sex Gang (Sex Gang Children), King of Hell (Gorgoroth), Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost), Chad Gray (Mudvayne), Le'rue Delashay (Christian Death), Montalo (Witchfynde), Jinx Dawson (Coven), Metatron (The Meads of Asphodel), John Bush (Armored Saint), Andrea Haugen (Nebelhexe), and many more.
576 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 30, 2024
Going through my shelves and thought I had this on GR. I own this amazing piece of magic & read it years ago. It’s a gorgeous hardcover collection of all things metal, horror and influential to Dani Filth’s writing and musical work
May 31, 2014
Content-wise I was rather surprised by the variety of topics, ideas and concepts presented and sources quoted, although almost all were only brushed upon.
Still, the book is massive (540 pages, roughly 20x30x3.5 cm). Glad I got the hardcover, doubt the paperback would survive long.
The writing style I found rather (unintentionally) amusing (at times), though certainly not dry and a bit jumpy at times, though the common thread is always visible.
What put me off was the design;
Among the huge amount of pictures, far too many were tacky, trashy, tasteless, ridiculous and/or unnecessary (half a dozen pictures of LaVey shopping or boobs covered in blood would be good examples for the later) in my estimation.
The typesetting (and typography in some cases) is terrible and in general the placement of photos, illustrations and "boxes" containing commentaries or additional information are rather chaotic.
Certainly there are great illustrations and artful photos, though in some cases they are too small, despite the high quality print.
Still, the book is massive (540 pages, roughly 20x30x3.5 cm). Glad I got the hardcover, doubt the paperback would survive long.
The writing style I found rather (unintentionally) amusing (at times), though certainly not dry and a bit jumpy at times, though the common thread is always visible.
What put me off was the design;
Among the huge amount of pictures, far too many were tacky, trashy, tasteless, ridiculous and/or unnecessary (half a dozen pictures of LaVey shopping or boobs covered in blood would be good examples for the later) in my estimation.
The typesetting (and typography in some cases) is terrible and in general the placement of photos, illustrations and "boxes" containing commentaries or additional information are rather chaotic.
Certainly there are great illustrations and artful photos, though in some cases they are too small, despite the high quality print.
March 22, 2013
Most people who look at the cover of this book and read the title will believe it to be the biography of Cradle of Filth. It certainly has those aspects in it, but the book is largely a historical read on occultation. It has a plethora of information and lore throughout english history that has to do with the occult and dark arts. Dani makes commentary on various subjects that range from witch burning to hellfire clubs and religious massacres.
If you're a fan of Cradle of Filth, the book is separated into different chapters that detail where the inspiration for their albums came from. It covers Dusk and her embrace, lovecraft and witchhearts, thornography, and midian, as well as a bunch of songs in particular. Including Haunted Shore, Cthulu Dawn, and a lot of others. If you're a fan of black metal in general then this is the perfect book for you. It has a ton of images to accompany the vast amount of information in this book.
Be prepared though - it's a long, dry read, and should only be enjoyed by those who have a serious interest in the occult throughout english history.
If you're a fan of Cradle of Filth, the book is separated into different chapters that detail where the inspiration for their albums came from. It covers Dusk and her embrace, lovecraft and witchhearts, thornography, and midian, as well as a bunch of songs in particular. Including Haunted Shore, Cthulu Dawn, and a lot of others. If you're a fan of black metal in general then this is the perfect book for you. It has a ton of images to accompany the vast amount of information in this book.
Be prepared though - it's a long, dry read, and should only be enjoyed by those who have a serious interest in the occult throughout english history.
Read
July 29, 2011I thought this was great fun. I wouldn't read it as a coursebook, but it's an entertaining glance at the dark side of western (popular) culture, as seen through a satanic (laveyan) lens. There's a feel of a slightly anachronistic teleology in the book, but it's readable (and recommended!) for anyone regardless of one's view on Cradle of Filth as a band.
June 6, 2010
This is not a Cradle of Filth biography. It's a biography of Gothic history and horror throughout England, mainly. Yes, Cradle is certainly covered and the book details the inspirations of all their albums (which is a lot of history in itself) but the bulk of the book is what they only teach in specialized university courses. This is REALLY good and flippin' huge!
June 12, 2012
It's such a great book
I foud that it was the best thing ever to happen for my english essay on this band
It goes into what inspired the band so deeply that it tells you what inspired the people who inspired cradle of fith
I foud that it was the best thing ever to happen for my english essay on this band
It goes into what inspired the band so deeply that it tells you what inspired the people who inspired cradle of fith
February 24, 2014
This book as absolutely amazing. I love it!
June 18, 2016
i highly, highly recommend this book to any lover of cof, gothic history, horror films and occult studies. also, the vampyric photo shoots in here are amazing!!!
July 28, 2019
boys and girls
this one isnt just a bands merch
this one isnt just a bands biography
this one is a modern day grimoire
this one is an ensyclopedia of darkness indeed
LOVED LOVED LOVED IT
this one isnt just a bands merch
this one isnt just a bands biography
this one is a modern day grimoire
this one is an ensyclopedia of darkness indeed
LOVED LOVED LOVED IT
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews