Cruelty and the Beast (1998) is Cradle of Filth's fourth release and third full length album. It is a concept album on the life of the Hungarian "blood countess" Elizabeth Báthory.

Track listing

1. "Once upon Atrocity" (Cradle Of Faith/Dani) - 1:42
2. "Thirteen Autumns and a Widow" (Cradle Of Faith/Dani) - 7:14
3. "Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids" (Cradle Of Faith/Dani) - 7:18
4. "Beneath the Howling Stars" (Cradle Of Filth/Filth) - 7:42
5. "Venus in Fear" (Cradle Of Filth/Dani) - 2:20
6. "Desire in Violent Overture" (Cradle Of Faith/Dani) - 4:16
7. "The Twisted Nails of Faith" (Cradle Of Faith/Dani) - 6:50
8. "Báthory Aria: Benighted Like Usher/ A..." (Cradle Of Faith/Dani) - 11:02
9. "Portrait of the Dead Countess" (Cradle Of Faith/Dani) - 2:52
10. "Lustmord and Wargasm (The Lick of...)" (Cradle Of Faith/Dani) - 7:30

Personnel

• Stu Williamson - Photography
• Jan Peter Genkel - Producer
• Mike Exeter - Producer
• Danny Sprigg - Engineer
• Mark Harwood