Cradle Of Filth consists of Adrian Erlandsson (drums), , Charles (bass), Dani Filth (vocals), James Mcilroy (guitar), Martin Powell (keyboard), Paul Allender (guitar).
Cradle of Filth is an English band formed in 1991. The subject of their particular subgenre has engendered much discussion and they have been embraced and disowned with equal fervour by various metal communities, although recent consensus seems to have settled on symphonic black metal with a strong gothic metal influence. Their sound has gradually evolved from raw, traditional black metal, to a cleaner and more "produced" symphonic tone, and this increased accessibility has brought them coverage by Kerrang! and MTV and in turn, a more commercial image.
After the band's formation came a period of rapid line-up fluctuation (which has continued ever since) as four demos were recorded. They eventually signed to Cacophonous and released The Principle of Evil Made Flesh in 1994. Their relationship with the label was acrimonious and the band signed to Music For Nations in 1996 after only one more contractually obligated Cacophonous release: the hastily written and recorded EP Vempire… or Dark Faerytales in Phallustein. Dusk and Her Embrace followed the same year: a critically acclaimed album that greatly expanded the band's fan-base throughout Europe and the rest of the world. As the band became known for increasingly theatrical stage shows, Cruelty and the Beast - a concept album based on the legend of the "Blood Countess" Elizabeth Bathory - was released to even greater acclaim, though sales were poor. The following year the band continued primarily to tour, but did put out a DVD, PanDaemonAeon, and an accompanying EP, From the Cradle to Enslave, featuring the music from the production. The title track of the EP remains one of the band's best-known songs.
The band produced their fourth full-length studio album the following year. Midian was based around the Clive Barker novel Cabal and its subsequent film adaptation Nightbreed, and was fittingly released on Hallowe'en night 2000. Their most accessible album to date, it saw Paul Allender joining the lineup on guitars, but was still by no means mainstream, featuring titles such as "Lord Abortion" and another cult favourite, "Her Ghost in the Fog", which found its way onto the soundtrack of the movie Ginger Snaps. Their sound at this point remained uncompromising but was becoming increasingly melodic, complemented as always by Dani’s verbose lyrics.
