CRADLE OF FILTH Signs Worldwide Deal With NAPALM RECORDS

British extreme metal titans CRADLE OF FILTH have signed a worldwide deal with the Austrian rock and metal label Napalm Records.

Positioned firmly at the top of the extreme black metal genre, CRADLE OF FILTH — led and revolutionized by iconic frontman Dani Filth — reigns supreme as one of the most revered, formative and notorious names in the scene, and is undeniably responsible for breaking ground for many of today's top metal artists with its trademark mixture of grim blackened heaviness, macabre theatricality and scintillating gothic style. The rule of FILTH began in 1991, followed by the unleashing of 1994's "The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh" — humble beginnings that expanded into cinematic classics like "Cruelty And The Beast" and "Midian".

The band's unyielding international touring schedule has garnered them a massive following both in the cult underground and at the top of the mainstream, defying trends while staying true to their roots. More recent offerings such as 2015's "Hammer Of The Witches" and 2017's "Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness Of Decay" continued to bolster the unremitting legacy of FILTH, until the band, along with the rest of the universe, was abruptly halted by the global pandemic in 2020. But, as is evident by the staggering response from their devoted legion of followers, that time was put to good use, spurring the emergence of the band's latest, breathtakingly heavy offering, 2021's "Existence Is Futile". The album debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard 200, No. 9 on the German Album chart, No. 3 and No. 5 on the U.K. Rock And Metal Albums chart and U.K. Independent Albums chart respectively, No. 4 on the Finnish album chart and many more, proving that CRADLE OF FILTH continue to own the dark.

Filth says: "It is with great expectation and excitement that we announce our move to Napalm Records, having seen and heard a great deal of complimentary things about the label, which in turn leads us to believe that this will be the perfect nesting ground for CRADLE OF FILTH in 2022 and beyond. We'd like to thank all our fans for their continued support and trust in us doing the right thing for the band and its music. All hail the eternal FILTH!"

Thomas Caser, CEO of Napalm Records, adds: "We are thrilled to welcome the most influential and iconic extreme metal band to our ever-growing Napalm Records family. Being a fan of the band since their very first album, it is with great honor and excitement that we're able to work with them from now on! We are ready to conquer the metal world with CRADLE OF FILTH!"

Earlier this month, CRADLE OF FILTH parted ways with guitarist Richard Shaw and keyboardist Anabelle Iratni. Richard was replaced for the band's current tour by Donny Burbage, while Zoe Marie Federoff has stepped in for Anabelle.

A year ago, CRADLE OF FILTH announced the addition of Iratni to the band's ranks.

Iratni, who previously played alongside Filth in DEVILMENT, as well as her own group VEILE, made her live debut with CRADLE OF FILTH on May 12, 2021 during the band's livestreamed concert.

Anabelle joined CRADLE OF FILTH as the replacement for Lindsay Schoolcraft, who announced her departure from the group in February 2020 after a seven-year run.