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Cruelty and the Beast is the third studio album by English black metal band Cradle of Filth. It is a concept album based on the legend of the Hungarian "blood countess" Elizabeth Báthory. The album features guest narration on certain passages by Ingrid Pitt in-character as Báthory; a role she first played in the Hammer film Countess Dracula in 1971.
The album ranked tenth in a Kerrang! top ten "Essential Black Metal" albums list in 2000.[4] and is regarded by many fans as one of Cradle of Filth's classic releases. This was the last Cradle of Filth album to feature guitarist and songwriter Stuart Anstis, keyboardist Les Smith and drummer Nicholas Barker.


No. Title Length
1. "Once Upon Atrocity" (instrumental) 1:42
2. "Thirteen Autumns and a Widow" 7:14
3. "Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids" 7:18
4. "Beneath the Howling Stars" 7:42
5. "Venus in Fear" (instrumental) 2:20
6. "Desire in Violent Overture" 4:16
7. "The Twisted Nails of Faith" 6:50
8. "Báthory Aria" 11:02
9. "Portrait of the Dead Countess" (instrumental) 2:52
10. "Lustmord and Wargasm (The Lick of Carnivorous Winds)" 7:30
Total length:
58:55