

Cradle of Filth
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Band Timeline
Formation of Cradle of Filth
Early Demos and Lineup Changes
Debut Album 'The Principle of Evil Made Flesh' and Signing with Cacophonous Records
Label Disputes and Transition to Music for Nations
Release of 'Dusk... and Her Embrace'
Albums 'Cruelty and the Beast' and 'Midian' along with Continued Lineup Changes
New Label Signings and Albums with Orchestration
Further Releases and Consolidation of Sound with Roadrunner Records
Independent Release and Lineup Developments
Later Releases and Revisiting Early Works
Ongoing Activity and Legacy
Albums















Members
Current
Daniel Firth
Bass guitar
Lindsay Schoolcraft
Background vocals
Keyboard
Dani Filth
Lead vocals
Martin "Marthus" Škaroupka
Membranophone
James McIlroy
Guitar
Richard Shaw
Electric guitar
History
William A. "Was" Sarginson
Membranophone
Darren White
Membranophone
Dave Hirschheimer
Membranophone
Paul Ryan
Guitar
Dhiraz Wregmi
Bass guitar
Nicholas Barker
Drums (drum set)
Sarah Jezebel Deva
Background vocals
Paul Mcglone
Guitar
Paul Allender
Guitar
Anabelle Iratni
Lead vocals
Caroline Campbell
Background vocals
Keyboard
Charles Hedger
Guitar
James McIlroy
Guitar
Damien Gregori
Keyboard
Danielle Cneajna Cottington
Background vocals
Anabelle Iratni
Keyboard
Benjamin Ryan
Keyboard
Robin Eaglestone
Bass guitar
Andrea Haugen
Background vocals
Adrian Erlandsson
Drums (drum set)
Bryan Hipp
Guitar
Anabelle Iratni
Lyre
Rosie Smith
Background vocals
Keyboard
Carolyn Gretton
Background vocals
Sarah Jezebel Deva
Background vocals
Mark Newby-Robson
Keyboard
Jonathan Pritchard
Bass guitar
Dave Pybus
Bass guitar
Jon Kennedy
Bass guitar
Ashley Ellyllon
Background vocals
Keyboard
Les Smith
Keyboard
Rishi Mehta
Guitar
Darren Donnarumma
Guitar
Paul Allender
Guitar
Gian Pyres
Guitar
Stuart Anstis
Guitar
Mark Newby-Robson
Keyboard
Martin Powell
Violin
Keyboard
Guitar
Story of Cradle of Filth
Cradle of Filth: A Journey From Black Metal to Gothic Metal Titans
Cradle of Filth, hailing from the depths of Suffolk, England, burst onto the extreme metal scene in 1991. Initially steeped in the raw fury of black metal, they evolved into a force to be reckoned with, forging a distinct and compelling sound that blended the darkness of gothic metal, the grandeur of symphonic metal, and other metal genres.
Their lyrical tapestry, woven with threads of Gothic literature, poetry, mythology, and horror films, creates a unique and unsettling atmosphere. At the helm is the band's founding member and vocalist, Dani Filth, a charismatic figure whose stage presence and lyrical prowess have become synonymous with Cradle of Filth. The band is also comprised of seasoned musicians including drummer Martin "Marthus" Škaroupka, bassist Daniel Firth, guitarists Marek "Ashok" Šmerda and Donny Burbage, and keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff.
While retaining their core extreme metal roots, Cradle of Filth transcended their niche by embracing mainstream exposure. This strategic move brought them to the attention of major publications like Kerrang! and MTV, and propelled them onto the stages of iconic festivals like Ozzfest, Download, and even the mainstream Sziget Festival.
Their embrace of theatrics and their imagery, while often drawing comparisons to Satanism, are more for shock value than genuine belief. While their lyrical references to Satanism are few and far between, their aesthetic and presentation have cemented their image as a band that thrives on pushing boundaries and challenging norms.
Early Years (1991-1996)
The band's first three years were characterized by a whirlwind of demos (Invoking the Unclean, Orgiastic Pleasures Foul, and Total Fucking Darkness) and frequent lineup changes. In fact, Cradle of Filth has had over thirty musicians pass through its ranks throughout its history.
An album, "Goetia," was recorded prior to their third demo and slated for release on Tombstone Records. Tragically, the label went out of business, and the band, lacking the funds to reclaim the recordings, saw their debut work vanish into the void.
The Rise of a Gothic Metal Icon:
The story of Cradle of Filth is one of relentless creativity, constant evolution, and a refusal to be confined by genre boundaries. From their black metal roots to their present status as gothic metal titans, they've carved a unique path for themselves, leaving an indelible mark on the extreme metal landscape.