PandaemonAeon [DVD]

Originally released in 1999, 'PandaemonAeon' was Cradle of Filth's first video title. This region free DVD appears to be a straight transfer from the original VHS source, though the sound and picture quality are good. It contains both cut and uncensored versions of the band's promo video for 'From the Cradle to Enslave'. The latter features gratuitous nudity, buckets of blood and OTT gore, but if you're a fan, you'll know what to expect.The remainder of the disc consists of a 'making of' mini-documentary, a few short interviews (with lots of swearing!) and live versions of 'Dusk and Her Embrace', 'Beneath the Howling Stars', 'Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids' and 'Malice Through the Looking Glass'. Filmed at the long-since demolished London Astoria in 1998, these serve as an interesting visual document of one of Cradle of Filth's early line-ups.At barely an hour in length, 'PandaemonAeon' will undoubtedly leave COF enthusiasts wanting more (some additional live footage would have been nice), but for a mere fiver, it is good value for money and an essential purchase for all fans of Dani Filth's symphonic black metal pioneers.

Goddamn, man, the creativity on this promo is really good, but they didn't have much more than about £5:50 to make it, did they? Still it's an absolute bitsh of a video, and the images and stuff really invoke some cool ideas and things that is nice to think about- wouldn't we all love to be all Gothy with them? (Shame about the hairy minge- should have had a nice, clean, Gothic shave like my woman;)Really, though, it's a good show with powerful images, and is defintely worth the money. i'm sure that Dani is proud of his video- and by the way, Damien smashing the piano with hammers? A little predictable, but still coolSincerely, GoMo.

I would easily give 5 stars for the uncensored music video (still one of the best from Cradle of Filth). It is very sick in a B-movie way (gallons of fake blood went into this). It features dwarves, breasts, and a glimpse of pussy (and that's just the band!).I would also give 5 stars for the excellent song that goes with it ('From the Cradle to Enslave'). The gateway into the 'new' Cradle of Filth sound, this track still sounds fresh today.I have dropped a star because you are really only buying the music video here and little else. There are a few live performances of songs from 'Cruelty and the Beast' which aren't amazing. There is a 10 minute making-of which is alright and some very short links. It all pales in comparison to 'Heavy Left-Handed and Candid' and I really wish this music video was included on that release so I didn't have to pay extra for this belated DVD release of the old VHS.

This is the first official video from Cradle of Filth and its release was to coincide with the release of 'From the Cradle to Enslave'. The video, then, carries not one but two slightly differing videos for the song, one censored and the other uncensored. Why they would put the censored version on too is anyone's guess. Being completist doesn't really spring to mind because the rest of the video is far from complete. Well, maybe I'm being a bit harsh there, but the rest of the video has a mere twenty or so minutes of 'the making of' and four songs from a gig at the London Astoria. Being Cradle of Filth, all the music contained herein is of course phenomenal, but I just couldn't help feeling that the whole thing just lacked something - 'proper' band interviews, for example? Never mind, though, if you're a fan you'll love this video - it's just that you'll love it so much you'll want more, and the video just doesn't deliver...