Dani Filth
Daniel Lloyd Davey (born 25 July 1973), known professionally as Dani Filth, is an English singer-songwriter and musician best known as the founder, lead vocalist, and principal lyricist of the symphonic black metal band Cradle of Filth.[1][2] Born in Hertford, Hertfordshire, England, Filth grew up in the nearby Suffolk countryside, where he developed an early interest in heavy metal music and horror films.[1][2] At age 18, he formed Cradle of Filth in 1991 in Hadleigh, Suffolk, initially as a black metal project with guitarist Paul Ryan, evolving into a symphonic extreme metal outfit characterized by gothic horror themes, orchestral elements, and Filth's distinctive high-pitched shrieks and growls.[3][1] Under Filth's leadership, Cradle of Filth has released 14 studio albums since their debut The Principle of Evil Made Flesh in 1994, achieving commercial success with releases like Nymphetamine (2004), and their most recent, The Screaming of the Valkyries, issued in 2025 via Napalm Records.[3] The band has toured extensively worldwide, performed at major festivals including Download and Mystic in 2025, and built a reputation for elaborate, theatrical live shows despite early controversies, such as arrests in the mid-1990s over provocative merchandise.[3][1] Beyond Cradle of Filth, Filth has pursued side projects like the gothic metal band Devilment, which released albums in 2014 and 2016, and appeared in films including Cradle of Fear (2001) and Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004).[4][5]Early life
Family and childhood
Daniel Lloyd Davey, professionally known as Dani Filth, was born on 25 July 1973 in Hertford, England, to parents Susan Janet Moore and Lawrence John Davey.[6][1] As the eldest of four children, he grew up alongside two younger sisters, Amanda and Rachel, and a younger brother, Philip.[6][7][8] His parents provided a down-to-earth family environment, with his mother encouraging participation in religious rites such as confirmation, though the household was not particularly devout.[9] The family relocated to Suffolk during his early years, where Davey was raised in the village of Hadleigh, a quaint rural setting characterized by its idyllic English countryside charm and historical ties to folklore.[10] Suffolk, often dubbed "Witch County" due to its infamous 17th-century witch hunts led by Matthew Hopkins, the self-proclaimed Witchfinder General, offered a backdrop rich in spooky legends that permeated local culture.[10][9] His childhood home was a traditional Suffolk pink house, made with limewash mixed with pig's blood for its distinctive hue, situated in an old village property rumored to connect to eerie tales akin to those in The Omen.[10][9] This environment, blending everyday rural life with whispers of the supernatural, shaped his formative experiences amid the isolation of village living.[10] Davey's early personality emerged as mischievous and unconventional, evident in childhood antics that disrupted his surroundings. One notable incident involved releasing a pet python during a school project, which escaped and caused chaos, only to be discovered weeks later hiding near a radiator; he later recalled the event as "hilarious."[1] Such escapades highlighted his penchant for the unconventional from a young age, within the supportive yet ordinary dynamics of his family in Suffolk's folklore-laden landscape.[1][9]Education and early influences
Dani Filth, born Daniel Lloyd Davey, grew up in the Suffolk village of Hadleigh and attended local schools there during his formative years. He has described enjoying his education initially, but his experience shifted dramatically upon entering sixth form, where he became increasingly rebellious. Notable incidents included deliberately provoking the school chaplain by wearing controversial T-shirts and accessories, such as a pentagram necklace, which led to multiple suspensions. These acts reflected his emerging nonconformist streak and disdain for institutional authority, marking a pivotal turn toward self-expression through provocative means.[11] Rejecting conventional career paths, Filth opted to pursue music full-time instead of accepting opportunities in fields like graphic design, channeling his artistic inclinations into extreme metal. During his adolescence in the late 1980s, he immersed himself in horror literature, gothic themes, and the burgeoning extreme metal scene, drawing inspiration from Victorian-era tales and dark mythology that would later define his lyrical style. This period also saw his introduction to black metal pioneers; as a teenager, he exchanged letters with Euronymous of Mayhem after sending a demo tape, forging a pen-pal relationship that exposed him to the Norwegian scene's radical ideologies, including Euronymous's admiration for figures like Pol Pot and Nicolae Ceaușescu.[12][11] Filth's early musical experiments began in his teens with informal bands rehearsing at home, including a punk outfit that caused chaos in his mother's living room due to makeshift equipment like an oiled drum pedal. These nascent efforts, alongside involvement in Suffolk's local underground scene through skateboarding circles and tape-trading, honed his vocal style amid influences from American thrash and hardcore acts before evolving toward death and black metal. The development of his stage persona as "Dani Filth," adopted upon forming the band in 1991, originated in this rebellious phase as a reflection of his gritty, unapologetic identity formation.[11][13]Personal life
Marriage and family
Dani Filth married his long-time partner Toni King on 31 October 2005 in Ipswich, England.[6] The couple, who had been together for over a decade prior to the wedding, share a daughter named Luna Scarlet Davey, born in 1999.[14] Following their marriage, Filth and King settled in Suffolk, England, where they raised Luna amid the demands of his music career. The family life centered on maintaining normalcy for their daughter despite the unconventional profession of the household's patriarch, with Filth often describing the home environment as a grounding force. However, the couple later divorced, though the exact date remains undisclosed in public records.[14] In June 2025, Filth proposed to his longtime partner Sofiya Belousova onstage during a Cradle of Filth performance at Download Festival.[15] Filth has openly discussed the difficulties of balancing his extensive touring schedule with family responsibilities, noting that long periods away from home strained personal relationships. During the 2003 Ozzfest tour, for instance, he expressed missing his then-girlfriend and young daughter, explaining that the infrequent days off—often spent in remote locations—made it impractical to include them on the road.[16] He has credited his family with providing essential emotional support through the ups and downs of his professional journey, helping him navigate the isolation and exhaustion inherent to life on tour.[16]Beliefs and interests
Dani Filth has described his spiritual worldview as eclectic, drawing selectively from various traditions without strict affiliation to any one. In a 2013 interview, he revealed that he dabbled in Luciferianism for a period, viewing Lucifer not as the Devil but as a guiding spirit or light-bringer symbolizing enlightenment and rebellion against dogma.[17] He emphasized this as a philosophical pursuit rather than literal Satanism, stating, "Now I sort of cherry pick from bits of everything... I like the black piece, and a Satanic piece, but other colors as well." Filth has repeatedly clarified his distance from organized Satanism. In 2011, he denied membership in any Satanic groups, noting, "I used to belong to lots of different underground organizations and magazines, but never really affiliated with any of them really because I’m really one of those people that just picks and chooses a mix of what I believe in."[18] He views organized religion critically, seeing gods and goddesses from mythologies like Hindu, Roman, Greek, and Indonesian as representations of a unified life force rather than literal entities, and borrows elements as needed without commitment.[18] Filth's personal inspirations include gothic literature, which he draws upon for its dark romanticism and atmospheric depth. He has expressed a longstanding interest in poetry, having worked on a personal poetry collection for over a decade as a creative outlet separate from his professional lyrics. Mythology captivates him, particularly figures like Lilith from Jewish lore, whom he sees as a symbol of independence and balance against patriarchal structures.[19][17] Horror films form a core hobby, with Filth identifying as a dedicated enthusiast who favors classics for their psychological impact. Among his favorites are John Carpenter's Halloween (1978), which terrified him as a child, Clive Barker's Hellraiser (1987) for its visceral Cenobite imagery, and Ridley Scott's Alien (1979) for its tension-building scares. He particularly admires H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror stories, naming The Call of Cthulhu as a standout where he considers Cthulhu his "spirit guide," alongside The Shadow Over Innsmouth for its eerie depiction of decayed isolation.[20][21] Reflecting on over 30 years in music, Filth has shared personal anecdotes as life lessons, emphasizing resilience and perspective. One involved a psychedelic experience near the historic Battle of Hastings site in 2003, where magic mushrooms led to humorous mishaps like a bandmate conversing with wallpaper, teaching him the pitfalls of excess during creative periods. He also corresponded as pen pals with black metal figure Euronymous in the early 1990s, later recognizing red flags in his admiration for dictators as a cautionary tale on misanthropy and ideological extremes.[11][12] Filth maintains an ongoing interest in studying occult history and related art, particularly the witchcraft lore of his native Suffolk region, which he explores through local haunted sites and historical texts for personal enrichment.Musical career
Cradle of Filth
Dani Filth has been the lead vocalist and primary lyricist on all Cradle of Filth releases since the band's inception.[22]Studio albums
The following table lists the studio albums released by Cradle of Filth in chronological order.| Title | Release date | Label | UK chart peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Principle of Evil Made Flesh | 24 February 1994 | Cacophonous Records | — |
| Dusk... and Her Embrace | 28 October 1996 | Music for Nations | — |
| Cruelty and the Beast | 30 April 1998 | Music for Nations | 48 |
| Midian | 30 October 2000 | Music for Nations | 63 |
| Damnation and a Day | 10 March 2003 | Sony Records | 44 |
| Nymphetamine | 28 September 2004 | Roadrunner Records | 92 |
| Thornography | 16 October 2006 | Roadrunner Records | 46 |
| Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder | 28 October 2008 | Nuclear Blast / Peaceville | 73 |
| Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa | 1 November 2010 | Nuclear Blast / Peaceville | 95 |
| The Manticore and Other Horrors | 5 November 2012 | Nuclear Blast | — |
| Hammer of the Witches | 29 August 2015 | Nuclear Blast | 44 |
| Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness of Decay | 6 October 2017 | Nuclear Blast | 50 |
| Existence Is Futile | 15 October 2021 | Nuclear Blast | 68 |
| The Screaming of the Valkyries | 21 March 2025 | Napalm Records | 43 |
EPs and demos
Cradle of Filth's early EPs and demos laid the foundation for their sound, with Filth handling vocals and lyrics.- Invoking the Unclean (demo, 20 January 1992, self-released): Featured raw death metal tracks like "Loathsome Fucking Christ."[26]
- Orgiastic Pleasures Foul (demo, 1993, self-released).[23]
- Total Fucking Darkness (demo, December 1993, Tombstone Records).[23]
- Vempire or Dark Faerytales in Phallustein (EP, April 1996, Cacophonous Records). Key tracks include "Ebony Dressed for Sunset."[23]
- From the Cradle to Enslave (EP, 15 October 1999, Music for Nations): UK chart peak 84; title track was a promotional single in CD and vinyl formats.[24]
- Bitter Suites to Succubi (EP, 22 May 2001, Abracadaver): UK chart peak 63; includes re-recorded tracks like "Filthy Practice."[24]
Compilations
Selected compilations, where Filth contributed vocals and lyrics to the featured material:- Lovecraft & Witch Hearts (18 April 2002, Music for Nations): UK chart peak 95; B-sides and rarities compilation.[24]
- Live Bait for the Dead (22 October 2002, Abracadaver): Live recordings from 2001.[23]
- Midnight in the Labyrinth (5 November 2012, Peaceville): Box set compilation of early works.[23]
- Dusk... and Her Embrace – The Original Sin (14 October 2016, Cacophonous): Remastered original album with bonus demo tracks.[23]
Singles and promotional releases
Cradle of Filth issued several singles, often as CD or digital formats promoting albums, with Filth on vocals and lyrics. Representative examples include:- Babalon A.D. (So Glad for the Madness) (single, 18 June 2003, Sony): UK chart peak 35; key track from promotional campaign for Damnation and a Day.[24]
- Nymphetamine (Fix) (single, 2004, Roadrunner Records): Promotional release tied to Nymphetamine album.[23]
- Temptation (single, 2006, Roadrunner Records): Cover of Heaven 17 track, released in CD format.[23]
- Right Wing of the Garden Triptych (single, 2015, Nuclear Blast): Digital single previewing Hammer of the Witches.[27]
- To Live Deliciously (single, 22 January 2025, Napalm Records): Lead single from The Screaming of the Valkyries, available in digital format.[28]
Side projects
In 2011, guitarist Daniel Finch formed Devilment as a gothic rock and metal project in Ipswich, Suffolk, initially recruiting local musicians before vocalist Dani Filth joined to provide creative input and vocal contributions.[29] The band's lineup included rhythm and lead guitarist Colin Parks, bassist Nick Johnson, and later additions such as keyboardist and backing vocalist Anabelle Iratni, who joined in 2018 to enhance the group's melodic and atmospheric elements.[30] Devilment remained active from 2011 until 2019, releasing two albums during this period, but entered a permanent hiatus thereafter as members pursued divergent paths.[29][31] Filth's involvement in Devilment stemmed from personal friendships, particularly with Finch, a local musician who shared demo riffs that sparked collaboration, and a desire to explore musical styles beyond Cradle of Filth's extreme metal intensity.[32] He described the project as a "pressure valve" for releasing pent-up creative energy, allowing for groovier riffs, pop-influenced choruses, and non-extreme elements like folk and blues, which contrasted sharply with Cradle of Filth's symphonic black metal ferocity.[33] This outlet enabled Filth to experiment with diverse lyrical inspirations, such as Sylvia Plath and Roald Dahl, while maintaining the project's organic growth through close-knit relationships.[32] Beyond Devilment, Filth participated in the short-lived Temple of the Black Moon supergroup project in 2012, featuring guitarist Rob Caggiano (formerly of Anthrax and Volbeat), bassist King ov Hell (Gorgoroth), and drummer Ice Dale (Enslaved).[34] Intended as a heavier, collaborative endeavor, it produced only demo material due to the participants' demanding schedules with their primary bands, limiting its scope to informal studio sessions without full releases.[35] These minor ventures underscored Filth's preference for selective side projects, prioritizing personal connections and stylistic variety while ensuring they did not overshadow Cradle of Filth's dominance in his career.[32] The 2025 controversies surrounding Cradle of Filth, including the departure of guitarist Marek "Ashok" Šmerda and keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff amid disputes over pay and professional conduct, briefly highlighted tensions around band commitments but confirmed no formal restrictions on members' side pursuits.[36] Filth emphasized that Cradle encourages supplementary projects, though lineup instability has indirectly constrained his focus on external collaborations to preserve the main band's momentum.[37]Other pursuits
Writing and publications
Dani Filth co-authored the book The Gospel of Filth: A Bible of Decadence & Darkness with occult scholar Gavin Baddeley, first published in 2000 by Pocket Books.[38] The work delves into the philosophy of Cradle of Filth, occult influences on the band's aesthetic, and Filth's personal reflections on themes of darkness and rebellion.[38] An expanded edition followed in 2010 from FAB Press, incorporating additional illustrations and essays that further explore gothic literature, horror cinema, and esoteric traditions. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Filth contributed the regular column "Dani's Inferno" to Metal Hammer magazine, which ran for approximately two years.[6] The pieces offered commentary on heavy metal culture, horror films, and broader societal observations, often infused with Filth's irreverent humor and gothic perspective.[39] Examples include discussions of band life under touring constraints and critiques of music industry absurdities, reflecting his early journalistic inclinations.[39] In 2025 interviews, Filth announced an ongoing autobiography project, intended to chronicle his life from childhood influences through his rise in the metal scene.[19] He has also been developing a poetry collection for over a decade, drawing from gothic imagery and mythological narratives, with plans for publication still in progress as of that year.[19] Filth's writing frequently incorporates Luciferian motifs, portraying Lucifer as a symbol of enlightenment rather than malevolence, a theme evident in his prose and shaped by his personal philosophical leanings.[17] This approach aligns with his broader creative output, emphasizing intellectual rebellion over dogmatic evil.[40]Film and media appearances
Dani Filth made his acting debut in the 2001 British horror anthology film Cradle of Fear, where he portrayed the lead role of "The Man," a deranged psychopath who enacts vengeance through supernatural means, tying into the gothic and extreme themes of his music with Cradle of Filth.[41] The film, directed by Alex Chandon, features interconnected tales of torture and gore, and Filth's performance as the central antagonist drew attention for its alignment with his band's aesthetic, marking an early expansion into visual media.[42] Filth also contributed to the soundtrack of Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) with Cradle of Filth's "Nymphetamine (Fix)," for which he received a composer credit. In 2003, Filth provided the voice for the titular character Dominator in the British CGI-animated science fiction horror film Dominator, voicing a demonic entity summoned from Hell amid a post-apocalyptic narrative involving civil war in the underworld.[43] The project, based on a comic series and featuring voice talents like Doug Bradley and Ingrid Pitt, showcased Filth's vocal range in animation, contributing to its cult status as one of the UK's early full-length CGI features.[44] Filth continued his involvement in horror cinema with voice work in the 2017 animated motion comic Realm of the Damned: Tenebris Deos, where he voiced the demon Balaur in a story centered on Vatican defenders battling supernatural forces.[45][46] This Vatican-sanctioned production, directed by Tom Paton, blended heavy metal influences with gothic horror, highlighting Filth's recurring draw to projects exploring occult and infernal themes. More recently, Filth appeared on screen as the occultist and witchcraft expert Lon Carlson in the 2021 horror film Baphomet, directed by Matthan Harris, playing a philosophical cult leader in a tale of satanic rituals and demonic possession affecting a family.[47] The film, which explores themes of faith and the supernatural, positioned Filth as a knowledgeable antagonist, reflecting his personal affinity for horror genres that parallel his lyrical obsessions with Luciferianism and the macabre.[48] In 2022, he took on the role of Mr. Williams in the dark comedy-horror Feed Me, directed by Adam Leader and Richard Oakes, portraying a character in a narrative about grief, cannibalism, and psychological descent following a widow's death.[49] This indie production emphasized quirky terror and black humor, further demonstrating Filth's versatility in low-budget genre fare. Beyond feature films, Filth has made notable appearances in music documentaries and television specials focused on the metal scene. He featured prominently in the 2005 band documentary Cradle of Filth: Peace Through Superior Firepower, a compilation of live performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage curated by Filth himself, offering insights into the group's theatrical evolution.[50] Earlier, in the 1998 BBC series Living with the Enemy, Filth participated in an episode pairing metal fans with opposing viewpoints to explore cultural clashes, providing a candid look at his worldview and the band's controversial image.[51] These media outings, alongside guest spots in metal history specials like Heavy Metal Britain, have cemented his role as a spokesperson for extreme music's darker undercurrents.[52]Discography
Cradle of Filth
Dani Filth has been the lead vocalist and primary lyricist on all Cradle of Filth releases since the band's inception.[22]Studio albums
The following table lists the studio albums released by Cradle of Filth in chronological order.| Title | Release date | Label | UK chart peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Principle of Evil Made Flesh | 24 February 1994 | Cacophonous Records | — |
| Dusk... and Her Embrace | 28 October 1996 | Music for Nations | — |
| Cruelty and the Beast | 30 April 1998 | Music for Nations | 48 |
| Midian | 30 October 2000 | Music for Nations | 63 |
| Damnation and a Day | 10 March 2003 | Sony Records | 44 |
| Nymphetamine | 28 September 2004 | Roadrunner Records | 92 |
| Thornography | 16 October 2006 | Roadrunner Records | 46 |
| Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder | 28 October 2008 | Nuclear Blast / Peaceville | 73 |
| Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa | 1 November 2010 | Nuclear Blast / Peaceville | 95 |
| The Manticore and Other Horrors | 5 November 2012 | Nuclear Blast | — |
| Hammer of the Witches | 29 August 2015 | Nuclear Blast | 44 |
| Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness of Decay | 6 October 2017 | Nuclear Blast | 50 |
| Existence Is Futile | 15 October 2021 | Nuclear Blast | 68 |
| The Screaming of the Valkyries | 21 March 2025 | Napalm Records | 43 |
EPs and demos
Cradle of Filth's early EPs and demos laid the foundation for their sound, with Filth handling vocals and lyrics.- Invoking the Unclean (demo, 20 January 1992, self-released): Featured raw death metal tracks like "Loathsome Fucking Christ."[26]
- Orgiastic Pleasures Foul (demo, 1993, self-released).[23]
- Total Fucking Darkness (demo, December 1993, Tombstone Records).[23]
- Vempire or Dark Faerytales in Phallustein (EP, April 1996, Cacophonous Records). Key tracks include "Ebony Dressed for Sunset."[23]
- From the Cradle to Enslave (EP, 15 October 1999, Music for Nations): UK chart peak 84; title track was a promotional single in CD and vinyl formats.[24]
- Bitter Suites to Succubi (EP, 22 May 2001, Abracadaver): UK chart peak 63; includes re-recorded tracks like "Filthy Practice."[24]
Compilations
Selected compilations, where Filth contributed vocals and lyrics to the featured material:- Lovecraft & Witch Hearts (18 April 2002, Music for Nations): UK chart peak 95; B-sides and rarities compilation.[24]
- Live Bait for the Dead (22 October 2002, Abracadaver): Live recordings from 2001.[23]
- Midnight in the Labyrinth (5 November 2012, Peaceville): Box set compilation of early works.[23]
- Dusk... and Her Embrace – The Original Sin (14 October 2016, Cacophonous): Remastered original album with bonus demo tracks.[23]
Singles and promotional releases
Cradle of Filth issued several singles, often as CD or digital formats promoting albums, with Filth on vocals and lyrics. Representative examples include:- Babalon A.D. (So Glad for the Madness) (single, 18 June 2003, Sony): UK chart peak 35; key track from promotional campaign for Damnation and a Day.[24]
- Nymphetamine (Fix) (single, 2004, Roadrunner Records): Promotional release tied to Nymphetamine album.[23]
- Temptation (single, 2006, Roadrunner Records): Cover of Heaven 17 track, released in CD format.[23]
- Right Wing of the Garden Triptych (single, 2015, Nuclear Blast): Digital single previewing Hammer of the Witches.[27]
- To Live Deliciously (single, 22 January 2025, Napalm Records): Lead single from The Screaming of the Valkyries, available in digital format.[28]
Devilment
Devilment, a side project led by Dani Filth as lead vocalist and primary lyricist, released its debut studio album The Great and Secret Show on October 31, 2014, through Nuclear Blast Records.[53][54] Filth contributed his characteristic gothic and horror-infused lyrics across the album's 13 tracks, blending symphonic elements with heavy metal riffs. The track listing is as follows:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Summer Arteries | 6:16 |
| 2 | Even Your Blood Group Rejects Me | 5:25 |
| 3 | Girl from Mystery Island | 5:52 |
| 4 | The Stake In My Heart | 5:40 |
| 5 | Living With the Fungus | 5:18 |
| 6 | Mother Kali | 5:15 |
| 7 | Testament of a Full Surrender | 5:55 |
| 8 | (The Ballad of) Ungentle Exhumation | 5:33 |
| 9 | Sanity Hits a (Perfect) Zero | 5:06 |
| 10 | Laudanum Skull | 4:20 |
| 11 | The Perfect Lotus | 4:38 |
| 12 | The Great and Secret Show | 5:33 |
| 13 | Staring at the Werewolf Corps | 6:46 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | JudasStein | 5:22 |
| 2 | Hitchcock Blonde | 4:09 |
| 3 | Under the Thunder | 5:20 |
| 4 | Full Dark, No Stars | 5:42 |
| 5 | Shine On Sophie Moone | 4:34 |
| 6 | Life Is What You Keep from the Reaper | 5:41 |
| 7 | Dea Della Morte | 6:00 |
| 8 | Entangled in Our Pride | 5:22 |
| 9 | Hell at My Back | 4:56 |
| 10 | The Seductive Poison | 5:37 |
| 11 | Father Dali | 7:58 |