Cradel of filth

British black metal band Cradle of Filth were formed in 1991, originally comprised of vocalist Dani Filth (born Daniel Lloyd Davey), guitarist Paul Ryan, his keyboardist brother Benjamin, bassist John Richard, and drummer Darren. After recording a demo dubbed Invoking the Unclean a year later, the group recruited guitarist Robin Eaglestone, who quit soon after recording a second demo, Orgiastic Pleasures; however, when Richard exited the band a short time later, Eaglestone stepped back in to assume bass duties, opening the door for guitarist Paul Allender. Following a third demo, Total Fucking Darkness, Cradle of Filth -- now with new drummer Nicholas Barker -- signed with the Cacophonous label, issuing their proper debut, The Principle of Evil Made Flesh, in mid-1994.


Unfortunately, trouble brewed in and around the Cradle of Filth estate resulting in members moving on, and their next release, 'Vempire', would be their last for Cacophonous. Raging, bloody, business battles aside, the music on 'Vempire' was what everyone expected. A natural progression had taken place, yet none of the ability to produce beautiful gothic epics had left. But, to be fair, everyone was waiting with bated breath for the new full length, on a new label, with newly acquired members. 'Dusk And Her Embrace', their third CD, had breakthrough album written all over it, the one that would start Cradle Of Filth on their controversial, provocative, premeditated ascension.

The band's dizzying lineup changes continued apace as Paul Allender rejoined the group and Martin Powell (ex-Anathema and My Dying Bride) replaced Smith on keyboards for the full-length Midian, which was appropriately released on Halloween 2000. Bitter Suites to Succubi was issued on Spitfire in summer 2001. The group added a choir and orchestra to the lineup for 2003's Damnation and a Day on Red Ink, and moved to Roadrunner for 2004's Nymphetamine. Thornography followed on Roadrunner in 2006, a year that also saw the release of The Cradle of Filth Box Set. Eleven Burial Masses, a collection of live material, arrived in 2007, followed by Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder in 2008. Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide


After several successful tours around the world, Cradle of Filth returned home and began to think about their next album, the second for Music For Nations. 'Cruelty And The Beast' was finished in 1998. This was their most musically mature album, with amazing artwork and another special guest appearance, this time from Mrs Hammer Horror, Ingrid Pitt. Hugely successful tours followed in the US, Russia and Japan. Cradle of Filth became a phenomenon. A regular fixture in the music press, whilst still maintaining a hardcore following is one side of their success, but it is mainly due to the total devotion and energy they have for producing music which the band believe in. Never threatening to disown their roots for success, their music is becoming harsher and the promotion more provocative.

(2006-present) Dani Filth - Vocals
Paul Allender - Guitar
Charles Hedeger- Guitar
Dave Pybus - Bass
Martin Skaroupka - Drums
Rosie Smith - Keyboard
Sarah Jezebel Deva - Backing Vocals