I cant really choose one because i have a cd that i made that has both of them on it one after the other so i like them both equally.

Equally? C'mon, they can't HEAR you... who's da fave? *poke, poke*

You know, that "bad" sound quality? That's what true black metal is supposed to sound like. Now, I get that some bands want to "branch out" and make their music accessible to those with a low tolerance for grimness, or simply make the instruments and vocals stand out clearer. Bands like Emperor and Enslaved have pretty much always strived for an epic, produced sound, and no-one can dispute their place among the greats in modern progressive metal. But when it comes to creating that really cold, grim and dismal atmosphere of true, cult black metal, nothing says "fuck off and die" quite like a fuzzed-out dirge of buzzing, trebly guitars and muffled blastbeats that sounds like it was recorded in an ancient cathedral/slaughterhouse. If you don't get that, then you can't call yourself a black metal fan.

Listen to some Darkthrone, Burzum, Leviathan, Weakling, Beatrik, Make a Change... Kill Yourself, or any other really bleak and depressive black metal band, and tell me an expensive production job wouldn't strip away at least fifty percent of the evil atmosphere. That's part of the appeal of aggressive and/or nihilistic music (of any kind, really); It doesn't compromise and pander to the general public perception of what "good sound" is.

I have three words to say: Cradle! Cradle! Cradle!

On a more in depth note:

I absolutely love the Cradle sound. Yes, taking them seriously will leave you looking like a complete tool but the sound they produce is just awesome. Favourite song would be An Enemy Led the Tempest from the Damnation and a Day album.

Well said Pitseleh, that`s just what I was going to say!.

I'd have to go with Dimmu. I like Cradle but Dani's high pitched voice grates on my nerves.

COF, I know this is so mainstream, but actually woke me up. I was banished to a catholic school for the first 8 years of my education, and through the "SIN FILTER" I was behind, Marilyn Manson was THE hardest thing out there in all our minds. So, naturally, I went out and tried to buy every Manson album I could find. I listened to them religiously, and thought I was a badass. Then, one night I was watching MTV of all things and pounding vodka and mountain dew (my fav drink), and Nymphetamine came on head bangers ball. I fell in love, drunk and stumbling as I rushed my computer to download everything I could about this band. I had listened to Slipknot and Mudvayne and Mushroomhead, but none of that is close to the seizure of excitement that crawled through me when I saw that video. I stumbled on Dimmu about 4 months ago by accident, [had a music video in the special features of Alone in the Dark (which if you see I will slowly cut your throat with a rusty spoon)], and although I have to give credit and respect to Dimmu because I could not do what they do, COF will hold a special place in whats left of my heart for waking me up and showing me what and incredible pussy I was up until that point. The lyrics of the songs are perfect pleasure poetry and the deliverance of it in the screech growl of Danni is amazing. The drummer and guitarists are amazing and must bleed speed or battery acid or something to get those beats out of them. Cradle of Filth is incredible.

leviathanbleedingblack,

I reccomend you buy the first three albums as their earlier stuff is amazing...

For more info (click here)

and here

I am a fan of Cradle Of Filth but like Dimmu Borgir also

Cradle of Filth, or Dimmu Borgir.

Such a tough question.
Answer: Dimmu Borgir

I like some of Cradle of Filth's older stuff, like Bitter Suites to Succubi, and I like their newest (TMK) Nymphetamine.

With that said, Death Cult Armageddon with Progenies of The Great Apocalypse, blew my mind.

Diimu, but even more than them, Marduk. I haven't listened to black metal in so long...

I can't stand either, COF in particular. They just bring back bad memories of a poser ex of mine.

Old Dimmu Borgir. Their newer stuff is shit. The same applys to new COF.

Out of the 2 bands mentioned. Its Cradle of Filth for me

No suprise. You are just a stereotypical 'gawth' teen, aren't you? Your posts are making Ian Curtis weep.

No hun read my intro im a 33 year old woman who likes rock music, like my intro says if you dont beleive me i cant do anything about that

I'm 31, and like rock (I really hate such a blanket term) music too. What I don't like is overdramatic, trying too hard to be 'hard core', and dressing up to make the teen girls want my cock music. I'm sure both these bands had their hay day, and I admit to having exactly two CoF songs on a mix CD - which are usually skipped unless I'm in the mood for angry white noise.

And I really don't think it is very nice to call horrorgirl a moron in one thread, and a Hun in another. May she smite you with boiling olive oil.

I never knew being over 19 and listening to rock made you gothic.

Tis kind of confusing. "gawth teen" were in horrorgirl's post, so I didn't know to which word Vampyre was referring.

I prefer Dimmu's earlier albums, but I'm not really a huge fan of either.

I love Dimmu Borgir. They use a lot of instruments fit for an orchestra.

Dimmu Borgir without a doubt.
The fact that Cradle of Filth is the best selling black metal band scares me.