Bio_CoF_Page

Cradle of Filth was formed in the summer of 1991 with Dani Filth as the vocalist, Paul Ryan on guitars, John Richard on bass, and Darren White as drummer. In 1992, the Demo, Invoking the Unclean was released. Robin Graves then basically became the bassist and the 1993 demo, Orgiastic Pleasures was released. Ben Ryan then joined on keyboards and Paul Allendar arrived on guitars. In December of 1993, the only important demo according to Dani, Total F**king Darkness, was released. By marketing themselves as Supreme Vampiric Evil, the band generated much interest from record labels.

          Finally, in 1993, Cradle of Filth signed with Cacophonous Records. At that time, Nicholas Barker joined the Filth and what has been called the "greatest Black Metal Release ever," was produced. In 1994, the world was ushered into The Principle of Evil Made Flesh., CoF's first album. Cradle of Filth then became known for their extravagant live performances. On Principle, the use of beautiful instrumental interludes allowed Cradle of Filth to set the mood for their next series of songs. With this fame, disputes between the Filth and Cacophonous began over lack of promotion and money. Lineup changes also occurred during this time. Paul and Ben Ryan left the band also with Paul Allendar. John Richard went on then to form Hecate Enthroned. The members were replaced by Stuart Anstis on guitars, Jared Demeter temporarily on guitars, and Damien Gregori on keyboards. As a compromise with Cacophonous, Vempire or Dark Faerytale in Phallustein was released to get the band out of its contract. Vempire allowed to band a transition to their next release, Dusk and Her Embrace, a compilation deemed "too good for Cacophonous." With 100,000 copies of each cd sold, Cradle of Filth were fast becoming the Biggest Black Metal band in the world. The band signed with Music for Nations in 1996, and with the labels Mayhem Records U.S. connections, atmosphere was broadened for Cradle of Filth.

           Gian Pyres then joined the band. Dusk and Her Embrace was released on Monday, December 18, 1996. With vampyric cover art by Simon Marsden, Dusk became an instand underground classic. The release of Cruelty and the Beast in 1998 added to the success of Cradle of Filth, making them widely popular among the Black Metal scene. The band was questioned in the Vatican because of their questionable attire, consisting of Dani's "I love Satan," t-shirt. Through the controversy and censorship, Cradle of Filth has come out triumphant. With the recent departure of Nick, Stuart, Lecter, and temporarily Gian, the band was strained. With the addition of Was Sarginson of Robin Graves' project, December Moon, things seemed to be on the repair, but he left and Dave Hirscheimer replaced him, and can be seen on the Pandaemonaeon video. Gian returned after certain situations were resolved and Paul Allendar returned to the band, new members Martin Powell, and Adrian Erlandsson seem to have brought new vitality to this decade old band.
Let's only hope the peace lasts...KEEP ON FILTHING!!!!!

Cradle of Filth was formed in the summer of 1991 in Suffolk, England by Dani Filth on vocals, John Richard on bass, Darren on drums, Robin Graves on guitar, and Paul Ryan on guitar. In January of 1992 they recorded the invoking the Unclean demo, with little success. Later Robin claimed to be "on their path" and left the band, after which they recored Orgiastic Pleasures. This demo had much better acclaim and gained some noticeability from the independent label Tombstone Records. Due to several problems, though, Cradle of Filth chose not to sign with Tombstone. As a result, John left the band inorder to finish is career. Robin was asked to return as bass player, and did so. Paul Ryan's brother, Benjamin, joined the band on keyboard, and Paul Allender then joined the band as second guitarist. By the end of 1992, they released another demo entitled Total Fucking Darkness containing the song "As Deep as Any Burial". It was described by Dani as "the only important demo we did."

Later Darren was replaced by Nicholas Barker on drums. Finally, they got a deal with the independent Cacophonous Records, and in 1994 they released their debut album: The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh. Up until this point, Dani used mainly death metal-style vocals. The Principle of Evil Made Flesh introduced Dani's high-pitched, demonic screeching. This album was quite successful, and quickly Cradle of Filth rose to become known as one of the best Black Metal bands.

Some time later Cradle of Filth had a lot of problems with the line-up. The Ryan brothers lft due to personal conflicts with the band, followed by Paul Allender. They were also having problems with their label, Cacophonous. They apparently didn't even get any money from The Principle of Evil Made Flesh. The rumours Cradle of Filth's demise was growing strong. But, after all of these problems, they recruited Stuart Anstis on guitar and Damien Gregori on keyboard. In 1996, in order to finish the deal with Cacophonous, they released the V Empire or Dark Faerytales in Phallustein EP, with Jared Demeter of December Moon filling in as guest guitar player. It largely comprised material that had been intended for an up-coming Dusk And Her Embrace album, although some material was considered too good for this obligatory release.

After finishing the deal with Cacophonous, they signed with Music For Nations; and released a monumental masterpiece titled Dusk And Her Embrace in Novermber of 1996, with Gian Pyres as permanent guitarist. Cradle of Filth released three versions of this album, including the infamous Coffin Edition containing the Slayer cover "Hell Awaits". 1997 is considered to be Cradle of Filth's best year even with the departure of keyboardist Damien and legal disputes with the band's merchandising company. Vamperotica.

In 1998, with ex-Anathema & Ship Of Fools keyboardist Les "Lecter" Smith, Cradle Of Filth released their fourth CD entitled Cruelty And The Beast, featuring great songs like "Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids, Desire in Violent Overture, Bathory Aria, and Beneath The Howling Stars. To support this album Cradle Of Filth went on extensive tours. The band also released the limited Cravestone edition of Cruelty And The Beast in the shape of a Celtic Cross, which has been banned in some countries (such as France), due to the gory pictures of the band in the CD's jacket. There are other editions of Cruelty And The Beast, (with limited edition bonus CD and the Japanese version) which contain cover songs and remixes. Controversy follows Cradle of Filth everywhere, and 1998 was no exception. The band came across more problems due to their explicit t-shirts, and they were even arrested at the Vatican.

In early 1999, due to musical differences, Nicholase left the band and joined Dimmu Borgir. It all apparently started when Nicholase became unhappy with the drum mix on Cruelty and the Beast. He was temporarily replaced by Wes Sarginson (ex-The Blood Divine, Extreme Noise Terror and Decemeber Moon), who was the Cradle of Filth drummer in the early days. But, while recording the "From the Cradle to Enslave" video, Dave Hirschheimer (ex-Infestation) was added to the line-up as a "permanent" drummer. That didn't last long, and Dave was quickly replaced by Adrain Erlandsson (At the Gates, The Haunted) after PanDaemonAeon was released . PanDaemonAeon contained Cradle of Filth's first video: "From the Cradle to Enslave". Directed by Alex Chandon (Perverilla, Bad Karma, Cradle of Fear (when it's finally released...lol)), it is one of the bloodiest videos ever released and contains more blood than the movie Hellraiser.
More problems withthe band's line-up ensued. Gian left the band after recording the From the Cradle to Enslave EP, after which it was released in November of 1999 featuring the song of the same name. Gian then returned after Stuart was fired. Lecter, siding with Stuart, left as well. Paul Allender then rejoined the band on guitar. Mark De Sade joined the band on a provisional basis as keyboardist and did a couple of shows. In March of 2000 the US version of From the Cradle to Enslave was released with the return of Damien on keyboards to record the Massacre cover "Dawn of Eternity". Finally, Cradle of Filth sttled on Martin Powell of My Dying Bride (session only) as a permanent keyboardist.

Midian was released on October 31, 2000. Also video of Her Ghost in The Fog was released. Directed by Alex Chandon

Plans for a Movie titled Cradle of Fear have been in the headlines all this year but a release date has still not been settled due to censors and production problems as well as the theft of equipment. Dani has his first ever movie role as the psychotic character "The Man", Gain and Adrian also make brief appearances in the film Adrian as an acid flash back and Gain gets frisky with a machete. It was supposed to come out in March of this year. We're keeping our eyes peeled! Bitter Suites to Succubi is due out for June 18th in the UK and 19th in the US, though rumours had circulated it's United States release to be pushed back to the 25th of June. Cradle of Filth are making history with their hypnotic and increadible sound, they have accomplished much in their short time of grace. One is signing a deal with SONY, though they will remain under their own imprint of AbraCadaver.

Right now Cradle of Filth are touring around the world with great turnout.

Robin has left Cradle of Filth due to personal reasons, but has said if the band ever needs him he would be back to help. Many have expressed loss, anger, and upset over Robin departing the Filth. Why this is seems to be that fans believe that Robin and anyone else that has been in Cradle of Filth owe the fans their life. Grow up people I say, and who knows maybe when Robin is finished with the personal thing that keeps him from the band, he will return, but remember he's been in the band for nearly 10 years, the man needs a break!