Cradle Of Filth have hit out at Pope Benedict XVI's classical album.

Released on November 29, 'Music From The Vatican' features classical arrangements courtesy of The Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with the Pope reciting prayers on top.

In the latest edition of Metal Hammer magazine, the famous anti-religious rockers cast their critical eye over the religious record.

36-year-old singer Dani Filth said: “It can’t hold a candle to Metallica’s early work.”

Next month Slipknot review Cliff Richard (joke).

(by Scott Colothan)