Biography1991Cradle of Filth was formed in the summer of 1991 in Suffolk, England with Dani Filth on vocals, John Richard on bass, Darren on drums, Robin Graves on guitar, and Paul Ryan on guitar.
1992 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.
1994Finally, 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.
1996 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.
1997Cradle 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.
1998In 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.
1999In 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.
2000 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 settled on Martin Powell of My Dying Bride (session only) as a permanent keyboardist.
Midian was released on October 31, 2000. Also the video of Her Ghost in The Fog was released. Directed by Alex Chandon
2001Plans for a Movie titled Cradle of Fear have been in the headlines all this year due to censors and production problems as well as the theft of equipment. Unrated copies have been available from 4th July from www.cradleoffear.com but the film premieres at London's Frightfest on August the 26th. 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.
Bitter Suites to Succubi came out on June 18th in the UK and 19th in the US.
Cradle of Filth are making history with their hypnotic and incredible sound, they have accomplished much in their short time of grace.
Right now Cradle of Filth are touring around the world with great turnout.