Cradle Of Filth

Cradle Of Filth

Genres: black metal, Symphonic Black Metal, Gothic Metal, metal, death metal

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About Cradle Of Filth

Cradle of Filth are an English extreme metal band formed in Suffolk in 1991. Their musical style developed from early black metal influences into a more polished combination of gothic metal, symphonic metal and other metal genres. The band’s lyrics and imagery draw on Gothic literature, poetry, mythology and horror films. The line-up has changed frequently throughout the band’s history, with vocalist Dani Filth as the only constant member. The band gained wider attention beyond the underground metal scene through increased media exposure, including coverage in publications such as Kerrang! and appearances on MTV, as well as performances at festivals including Ozzfest, Download Festival and Sziget Festival. Their imagery has sometimes led to perceptions of Satanic themes, although references to Satanism in their lyrics are limited and generally regarded as aesthetic rather than ideological. While originating in England, the band has included members from several countries over time. Cradle of Filth recorded three demos in their early years, "Invoking the Unclean", "Orgiastic Pleasures Foul" and "Total Fucking Darkness", during a period marked by frequent line-up changes. An unreleased album titled "Goetia" was recorded before the third demo but was lost after the associated label ceased operations. The band subsequently signed to Cacophonous Records and released their debut album "The Principle of Evil Made Flesh" in 1994. Although more developed than their demos, the album represented an early stage of their sound and vocal style. Following disputes with Cacophonous Records, including legal proceedings, the band re-recorded material originally intended for their second album. After fulfilling contractual obligations with the EP "V Empire or Dark Faerytales in Phallustein", they signed with Music for Nations. The reworked "Dusk... and Her Embrace", released in 1996, expanded their audience and established a more refined production and compositional approach. During this period, the band’s live performances became more theatrical, and certain merchandise designs attracted controversy. In 1998, they released "Cruelty and the Beast", a concept album based on the historical figure Elizabeth Báthory. The album featured narration by actress Ingrid Pitt and contributed to the band’s first performances in the United States. The EP "From the Cradle to Enslave" followed, accompanied by a music video that was later included on the DVD "PanDaemonAeon". In 2000, the band released "Midian", inspired by Clive Barker’s novel "Cabal" and its film adaptation "Nightbreed". The album included narration by Doug Bradley, known for his role as Pinhead in the "Hellraiser" film series. The track "Her Ghost in the Fog" received airplay on music television channels and appeared on the soundtrack of the film "Ginger Snaps" and later in the video game "Brütal Legend". After signing with Sony Music, the band released "Bitter Suites to Succubi", a compilation of new material, re-recordings and covers, including "No Time to Cry" by The Sisters of Mercy. Additional releases during this period included the compilation "Lovecraft & Witch Hearts" and the live album "Live Bait for the Dead". In 2003, "Damnation and a Day" was released, featuring orchestral arrangements performed by the Budapest Film Orchestra and choir. The album incorporated themes from John Milton’s "Paradise Lost" alongside standalone compositions. The band moved to Roadrunner Records and released "Nymphetamine" in 2004. The album marked a shift toward a more melodic and accessible sound and was nominated for a Grammy Award for its title track. "Thornography", released in 2006, continued this direction and included a cover of "Temptation" by Heaven 17. In 2008, "Godspeed on the Devil’s Thunder", a concept album about Gilles de Rais, received generally positive critical reception. In 2010, Dani Filth was nominated in the "Suffolk Icons" campaign but was not included in the final selection, leading to public discussion about the selection process. That same year, the band ended its relationship with Roadrunner Records and signed with Peaceville Records. The album "Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa" was released in 2010, followed by the EP "Evermore Darkly" in 2011 and the orchestral compilation "Midnight in the Labyrinth" in 2012. Later that year, they released "The Manticore and Other Horrors". In 2014, the band signed with Nuclear Blast Records. Line-up changes included the departure of guitarist Paul Allender and the addition of new members. The album "Hammer of the Witches" was released in 2015, followed by "Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness of Decay" in 2017. In 2021, the band released "Existence Is Futile". During this period, several members joined and left the group, reflecting the band’s ongoing personnel changes. In 2022, Cradle of Filth signed with Napalm Records. Vocalist Dani Filth reported work on a collaboration with Ed Sheeran, though delays were noted. In 2023, the band released the live album "Trouble and Their Double Lives", which included new studio tracks such as "She Is a Fire". Their fourteenth studio album, "The Screaming of the Valkyries", was released in 2025. Later in 2025, departures of members Zoe Marie Federoff and Marek "Ashok" Šmerda occurred during a tour, followed by public statements from both the band and the departing musicians. Legal proceedings were initiated by several former members, citing disputes over royalties and other issues. In March 2026, Dani Filth confirmed that work had begun on the band’s fifteenth studio album. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradle_of_Filth Studio albums The Principle of Evil Made Flesh (1994) Dusk..... and Her Embrace (1996) Cruelty and the Beast (1998) Midian (2000) Damnation and a Day (2003) Nymphetamine (2004) Thornography (2006) Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder (2008) Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa (2010) The Manticore and Other Horrors (2012) Hammer of the Witches (2015) Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness of Decay (2017) Existence Is Futile (2021) The Screaming of the Valkyries (2025)

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