Cradle of Filth

Deliciously Live

The air in Reno crackled with anticipation last night at the Virginia Street Brewhouse. Even before the headliners hit the stage, the line snaking down the block made it clear this wasn't your average Wednesday. The Deliciously Live tour, featuring Cradle of Filth, had rolled into town, and the faithful were out in force.

Local boys Cyanate kicked things off, delivering a solid dose of homegrown aggression. They were tight and loud, an excellent choice to warm-up for the sonic assault to come.

Next up, UADA took the stage, cloaked in their signature atmospheric black metal. Their set was a brooding, intense experience, the kind that seeps under your skin and leaves you feeling a little colder. They definitely set a dark mood for the main event.

By the time Cradle of Filth were ready, the Brewhouse was packed tight, a sweaty mass of black t-shirts and pent-up energy. The lights dimmed, and the roar that erupted as they launched into a track from their new album, "To Live Deliciously," was deafening. Dani Filth, a wiry specter of a frontman, stalked the stage, his vocals as piercing and theatrical as ever. He’s a unique presence, a blend of gothic horror villain and seasoned performer, commanding attention with every twisted syllable.

The setlist was a smart blend. They didn't just rely on the new stuff. When the opening chords of "The Principle of Evil Made Flesh" ripped through the venue, the place exploded. Mosh pits instantly erupted, a churning vortex of bodies fueled by pure, unadulterated metal. It was raw, visceral, and exactly what you’d expect from a Cradle show.

Guitarists Ashok and Donny did some serious work, their riffs sharp and their stage presence suitably menacing. New keyboardist / backing vocalist Anabelle was a captivating figure, adding layers of symphonic darkness to their sound. Drummer Martin 'Marthus' Škaroupka was a beast behind the kit, providing the relentless battery that drives their chaotic beauty.

They weaved in a couple more tracks from "The Screaming of the Valkyries," each one adding to the night's intensity. The crowd ate it all up, a sea of raised fists and bellowed lyrics. The energy in the room felt thick, almost suffocating in the best way possible.

The night culminated with "Her Ghost in the Fog." The familiar, haunting melody filled the Brewhouse, the crowd singing along with a fervor that felt almost religious. It was a fitting end to a night of dark theatrics and brutal musicianship. Cradle of Filth delivered a performance that was both savage and strangely captivating, proving that even after all these years, they still know how to conjure a storm. Reno got a potent dose of deliciously dark metal last night.