Cradle of Filth vocalist Dani Filth recently issued a New Year’s message to fans, using the moment to reflect on both personal achievements and the internal tensions that affected the band throughout 2025. The message was shared via Instagram, where Filth marked a major sobriety milestone while also alluding to the difficulties the group faced over the past year, including disputes involving former members.
“Happy new years Eve! I am three years without alcohol today! I’d say ‘three years sober’ but that implies that before these 1096 days I was completely legless all of the time, which of course, certainly wasn’t the case,” Filth said. “But nevertheless three years, however minimal in the grand scheme of things, is quite a big deal for me.”
He then turned his attention to the events of the year, making an indirect reference to the band’s internal struggles. “Anyhoo… 2025 has been a full-on rollercoaster of a year; full of foreign travels, love, creativity, friends, music and splendiverous adventures blighted slightly by those who have unsuccessfully tried to derail the crazy train,” he continued.
Filth closed the message on an upbeat note, looking ahead while on the move. “As for what the New Year brings, there’s a whole bunch of great stuff ahead including a splendid new album and heaps of touring but I won’t bore you with all the details here, seeing as it is a day of celebration!” he said. “So, as I sit here at Heathrow airport waiting on a plane to Belgrade, I wish everyone an amazingly fantastic, peaceful, joyous 2026!”
The statement followed a turbulent period for the band that included the exit of Zoë M. Federoff and her husband, Marek “Ashok” Šmerda. Those departures were later followed by legal action initiated by former members.
Even amid the internal conflict, Cradle of Filth has continued to press forward with touring and new music. Their persistence through the challenges underscores an ongoing commitment to their fans and their creative direction.
According to Blabbermouth, the British extreme metal veterans announced their “Majestic In Death Tour” for spring 2026, with support from Suffocation, Ghost Bath, and Cultus Black. The U.S. leg is scheduled to begin on April 30 in San Antonio, Texas, signaling the band’s intent to stay active despite recent controversies.
Legal issues have loomed large as well: The Toilet Ov Hell reported that six former members filed a lawsuit roughly two weeks before the tour was revealed, alleging unfair treatment, unpaid wages, copyright violations, unpaid royalties, and unauthorized use of their likenesses, along with demands for damages and the destruction of merchandise.
The exits of Zoë Federoff and Ashok earlier in 2025 represented one of the most difficult chapters for the band. The Toilet Ov Hell noted that their departure followed a highly public falling out with Dani Filth and management, causing major disruption behind the scenes. In a more recent interview, Filth addressed the broader issue of change within the band. “I think everything needs change,” he said, pointing to Cradle of Filth’s long history of lineup shifts. He added that while such changes can be challenging, they are sometimes essential for growth and longevity.
