Metal band Cradle of Filth is currently in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. What started with the unexpected departure of band member Zoë Marie Federoff has swiftly escalated into a full controversy, putting the intentions of Cradle of Filth’s management and frontman, Dani Filth, into question.
Zoe’s first statement, released on the 24th, was brief and cited “personal reasons” for the split. Shortly after, Zoe’s husband and long-time guitarist for the band, Marek “Ashok” Šmerda, confirmed he would also be leaving, among speculation from fans.
In a statement published to Facebook, the musician said, “We simply do not feel like Cradle can provide for our future, and in fact hinders it. Among other reasons, it is a lot of work for relatively low pay, the stress is quite high, and we haven’t felt for a while like this band actually prioritizing/caring about members. It has been years of unprofessional behavior from people above us that led to our decision.”
Among other things, Marek criticised the band’s creative direction and upcoming collaboration with Ed Sheeran.
The timing of the pair’s split from Cradle signals more than a one-off incident, instead pointing towards more significant structural break within the band.
The band’s official line hardened fast. Dani Filth announced that Marek had been fired immediately following the statement. Filth accused him of trying to “illegally defame and derail the band,” and confirmed the tour would continue regardless, with a stand-in to be flown in “in a few days.”
Image Credit: Cradle of Filth
Unbeknownst to fans, this was far from the end of the band’s conflict.
Zoe’s final statement was published within 48 hours. In this post, the artist shared upsetting details of her and her husband’s experience within the band. She described months of alleged dishonesty and abuse by the band’s management, which she said operated with Dani Filth’s protection and silence.
She stated, “Management ultimately works for the frontman.”
Zoe alleged that the toxic atmosphere, constant stress, and low pay took a devastating toll on her health and marriage, even leading to the miscarriage of her first pregnancy while on tour. She further criticised a new contract offering only a 25% pay rise after seven years.
Statements from Zoe’s Instagram, @zoemariefederoff
The musician posted images of their contract, which her lawyer called “the most psychopathic contract a session musician could ever be handed,” noting that it locked players into low wages while forbidding them from working with other bands.
According to her, the situation amounted to exploitation “for the ego of one person.” Lastly, she urged all future members of the band to read the contract before joining.
Cradle of Filth’s history reads like a revolving door opera. More than 30 musicians have passed through since their start in 1991, with long stretches defined by rapid lineup turnover and creative conflict. Marek had previously been working for the band since 2014, making him one of the longest-standing members in the band’s history.
Image Credit: Cradle of Filth Official Website
Her farewell struck a pointed note,“We all know the guy who says ‘all his exes are crazy’ -are you sure ALL of them? Or could the problem be you, 40+ people later?”
The exits of both Zoë Marie Federoff and Marek Šmerda, as well as the recent exposure of behind-the-scenes drama, has left fans divided on opinion and unsure of the future of the band.
As the band navigates internal disputes and lineup changes, the coming weeks may prove pivotal for Cradle of Filth’s direction and future success.
Featured Image Credit: Cradle of Filth Via Instagram / @cradleoffilth
The Mourning Paper 