BIOGRAFIC
Cradle Of Filth hail from Suffolk, England. The music that the six-piece create can be described as Black Gothic Romantic Metal. The elements that make up their sound - a wealth of evil vocals from high pitched shrieks to a deep, deep growl, crushing guitars, thumping bass, pounding drums and swathes of keyboards - all blend together beautifully in order to create a unique, majestic and supremely dark atmosphere. Inspired by gothic poetry and horror movies, Cradle Of Filth tell elaborate tales of love and hate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The band was formed in the summer of 1991, with Dani (vocals), Paul Ryan (guitars), John Richard (bass) and Darren (drums). Invoking The Unclean was released in 1992. The band went on to record Orgiastic Pleasures with the addition of Robin on guitar. Soon afterwhich, however, Robin claimed to be "on their path" and chose to leave, but was asked and agreed to return as bassist when John left. Paul Allender joined Paul Ryan on guitars, and Ben Ryan joined on keyboards. In December of 1993, Cradle of Filth took the world by storm upon unleashing the cult Total Fucking Darkness. Dani described this piece of work as "the only important demo we did." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The band signed with Cacophonous Records in 1994 and debut album The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh was released in April of that year, with a new guy, Nicholas, on drums. It went on to sell 30 000 to 32 000 copies, yet there followed serious disputes with the label over money and other matters. Line-up problems ensued, with Paul and Benjamin Ryan failing to get on with the band on a personal level so forced to leave, along with second guitarist Paul Allender. Replacements came in the form of Stuart Anstis on guitar, Damien Gregori on keyboards, and Jared Demeter temporarily on second guitar. In order to be free from the label's clutches, the band recorded Vempire or Dark Faerytales In Phallustein, an extra-long EP of 36 minutes. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cradle Of Filth signed with Music For Nations in 1996. Now with a permanent member, Gian, joining Stuart on guitar, the band spent time revising largely the old line-up's material for Dusk And Her Embrace, also writing two entirely new songs, "Humana Inspired To Nightmare" and "Malice Through The Looking Glass". The album finally saw the light of day on Monday 18th, November 1996. The year of 1997 saw further legal disputes about items available through the band's own merchandising company, Vamperotica, as well as the untimely departure of Damien. Lecter Smith has since been recruited on keyboards, and the long awaited Cruelty And The Beast, based on the life and crimes of Elizabeth Bathory, finally unleashed upon the eager public on May 5, 1998.
back to index
back to index