Roadrunner "Nymphetamine" - Cradle Of Filth

This is what they call a masterpiece -- the zenith of a career dwelt in darkness. It really is the record where the world finally acknowledged Cradle of Filth as not merely a great underground band but a great metal band in their own right.
Most unexpected, there was a Grammy nomination in the US for the title track: Dani Filth's duet with Leaves Eyes/Theater of Tragedy singer Liv Kristine -- a truly great song that also scored CoF a share of radio play.
Not to pin it all on one song. "Nymphetamine" is a record that moves from strength to strength. Kicking into huge Paul Allender riffing on the brilliantly titled opener "Gilded Cunt" the record moves demonically into "Nemesis", a brilliant track that delves into terrorism seen through the eyes of a Muslim who has lost his only child.
One key player in the fold is keyboardist Martin Powell, a veteran of British doomsters My Dying Bride who brings his influence to bear on the brilliant "English Fire". Of course, "Nymphetamine" isn't merely a stately affair. "Filthy Little Secret" accelerates and decimates with homicidal tempos whilst album closer "Mother of Abominations" starts with a chant invoking the Great Lovecraftian god Cthulu. Christian-dom is vanquished and hell's chariot immediately heads straight for Emperor-esque territory.
"Nymphetamine" is a great one in a discography that never repeats itself.
May Dani Filth and Co. continue to drink from this poisonous fountain of vitality.