Cradle of Filth with High Parasite supporting at Epic, Norwich - Sunday 6th July 2025

 **Warning Explicit Content**

Photography and words by BeckyKat Kaptures

There was uncertainty prior to tonight's show with the late entry and uncertain start time. But all concerns washed away as High Parasite hit the stage.

This darkly self-described 'death pop' fronted by Aaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride) captured the audience from their opening track of Parasite with it's fast and catchy guitar work with screaming and clean vocals this sets the energy for the rest of the night.  The rhythms of the drum completing this unique dynamic. 

The band all dress in their own distinctive styles and move about owning the stage.

Cold brings out the darker more gothic vibe of the band, with almost a Paradise Lost feel.

Forever We Burn completes their fast paced and over too quickly set, heavy cords and growling vocals leave the crowd wanting more.

Prior to this night I'd not heard of High Parasite but I'm definitely a convert and will recommend to all.

Then of course the reason we were here, Cradle of Filth, playing near their homeland of Suffolk. Shockingly a first for this born and breed local. Having grown up with Cradle and being around with the great 't-shirt controversy' this is a long overdue night.   Shout out to everyone wearing and buying said tee and the guy with the 'Jesus probably isn't that bad' one too!

Cradle has made a unique mark in the extreme/black metal scene since their inception in 1991 and have just  released their fourteenth album. 

The band take the stage to darkly haunting music and fog with grave like fencing and roses protecting the drummer and keyboardist and of course Dani's epic microphone stand.  Dani comes out struggling and hooded taking to the back of the stage.  He removes this to the opening of To Live Deliciously.  An incredible high energy start to what will be an impressive set.

Brutally fast paced guitars, thrashing drums, haunting synth and Dani's unique and screeching vocals cutting through the night.

The corpse paint styled make-up a shout out to their symphonic black metal influence, with one member with the lines of Pinhead, a hail to the horror genre.

They are high energy throughout the set, a favourite, Nymphetamine, bring the gothic vibe and atmospheric strength of the female vocals to the forefront.

Closing out before the encore with incredible energy is White Hellebore, leaving us all understandably wanting more.

Coming back on to Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids with Dani's characteristic screams, this was much needed and the night keeps going.

Finishing on my first memory of seeing Cradle of Filth on TV, Her Ghost in the Fog, bought a beautiful nostalgistic end to a very much long overdue night.

This fantastic show of their long career brings this city the energy of a festival.