DANI FILTH Talks New Album, Religion, And Future Collaborations

Interview by Angela Croudace
Cradle of Filth’s frontman, Dani Filth, sat down with HEAVY to discuss the band’s 14th studio album, The Screaming of the Valkyries, their evolution over the years, and the provocative themes they've explored in their music.
Dani shared that the new album brings a modern sound while still nodding to Cradle of Filth’s roots, with a blend of fresh ideas and older influences. "It's a modern sound record, one step forward, but it also has a passing nod back to previous incarnations," he explained. This new direction is, in part, thanks to new members Donnie and Zoe, and the band's increased playtime during the pandemic, which helped refine their sound.
Although the album doesn’t have a central concept, Dani describes it as a celebration of escapism, rituals, and vampirism. He elaborated on the inspiration behind the album’s title, revealing that it stems from the final track, When Misery Was a Stranger. The title The Screaming of the Valkyries was inspired by the impending doom of the Doomsday Clock, likening the sound of Valkyries’ screams during Ragnarok to the existential realisation of impending disaster.
On the subject of religion, Dani was candid about his views, stating that while he respects others’ beliefs, he finds the notion of religion’s validity in the modern age absurd. “I think time has just worn out the message,” he said, pointing to the age of science and the contradictions he sees within religious teachings. However, he emphasised that it’s the belief itself, not the dogma, that holds value.
Over the years, the band’s dynamic has evolved significantly, with Dani noting that the band and crew have become a tight-knit family. He shared a personal moment, reflecting on a recent wedding within the band, symbolising the strong bond they now share. The influence of the band's longevity and experience shows through in the new album, which recalls elements of their older works.
When asked about his favourite track from the new album, Dani pointed to Ex Sanguine Draculae, a song that takes him back to the band’s earlier work in the ‘90s. “It just reminds me of the era that we did the Dusk and Her Embrace record,” he said. He also revealed the band’s collaboration with renowned producer Scott Atkins, praising his approach to refining the band’s sound and ensuring the production was sharp and true to their vision.
Dani also shared that, if given the chance, he'd love to collaborate with Lana Del Rey, citing her gothic sensibilities and haunting voice as a perfect fit for Cradle of Filth's style. Fans of both artists may just get lucky one day.
As for the fan experience, Dani recalled a bizarre moment in Australia when a fan gave the band a prosthetic leg as a gift, only for it to later be tossed onto the stage during a performance. "I don’t know whether it was a gift or whether we should have given it back," he mused, "We did give it back though" he confirmed.
With The Screaming of the Valkyries out this week, Cradle of Filth continues to push boundaries while honoring their legacy in the metal world. Fans can expect a thrilling mix of old and new, with Dani and his bandmates at the forefront, creating music that’s as unpredictable and darkly captivating as ever.


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