Dani Filth: Sobriety, chaos, and a new beginning for Cradle Of Filth

Cradle Of Filth frontman Dani Filth used the turn of the year for both a personal and a band-related reflection. In his New Year's message to fans, he highlighted a major milestone — three years sober — while also hinting between the lines that 2025 was one of the most turbulent years in the band's history.

Filth openly admitted that this marks an important personal step for him, representing far more than just a change in lifestyle. At the same time, he acknowledged that the past year was a wild ride for Cradle Of Filth, full of contrasts: concerts, travel, creative work, and intense experiences intertwined with tension and attempts to "derail a train already in motion."

Despite the behind-the-scenes upheaval, Dani Filth does not appear broken. On the contrary — his message comes across as a clear signal that the band is moving forward. The new year is set to bring a fresh album and extensive touring activity, and Filth wished fans a calm and strong start to 2026 from Heathrow Airport, where he was heading off on yet another journey.

Behind the optimistic tone, however, lies a complicated period. The year 2025 was marked by the departure of keyboardist and vocalist Zoë M. Federoff and guitarist Marek "Ashok" Šmerda, followed by legal action from several former band members. They accuse Cradle Of Filth of unpaid fees, copyright infringements, and unauthorized use of their likenesses.

Despite these disputes, the band has not slowed down. For spring 2026, they have already announced the Majestic In Death Tour, featuring acts such as Suffocation, Ghost Bath, and Cultus Black. The tour is set to kick off in the United States at the end of April and confirms that Cradle Of Filth remain an active force within extreme metal.

Dani Filth has also long emphasized that change is part of the band's DNA. After more than three decades of existence, he views lineup changes as a necessary evil and a natural process of survival. And if his New Year's message carries one main takeaway, it is clear: Cradle Of Filth are far from finished.