Cradle of Filth are a unique band – one which has garnered a ton of attention throughout their lengthy career. As a polarizing force that people tend to either love or loathe, there is little question that their music evokes certain emotions amongst listeners. Following a five year absence, Cradle of Filth finally returned to Australia armed with a new album, 2017’s Cryptorania – The Seductiveness of Decay, and intent on re-emerging on Australian shores with a bang.
Metal Wani’s Jake Patton had a quick chat with bassist Daniel Firth. Here are the excerpts:
The last time Cradle of Filth was in Australia was in 2013. You have released two albums in that time, so how good does it feel to be returning to Australia?
It feels great to be back here! We love touring far and wide, so it was disappointing that we didn’t make it to Australia when we were promoting ‘Hammer of the Witches’. We’re very glad to have done so this time though, and we’re looking forward to reconnecting with our fans here.
Do you enjoy performing in Australia? It’s obviously difficult to get down here due to the distance, but how do the Australian crowds fare against the US and European crowds?
I had an amazing time when I was last here with Cradle. I’ve often said since 2013 that Australia is one of my favourite places to tour in the world, which is largely down to the fans here giving us such a warm welcome. They certainly make it worth travelling the long distances!
Touring Australia is obviously very different to the US or Europe due to the geography and that the band is unable to get a bus to travel the 800+km between venues for the shows. Is it difficult for the band to adapt to travelling the country by plane and waking up early to catch flights rather than being able to sleep on a tour bus between shows?
The schedule can be challenging, but I’m lucky enough to be a master of sleeping pretty much anywhere, be it a plane, bus or even a concrete floor. This makes it slightly easier for me to stay well rested! It can still catch up with you though, and the first sacrifice when you’re worn out tends to be exploring the local area. Luckily, we have a couple of days off in Sydney before the first show takes place in Canberra, so we’re going to enjoy being tourists for a little bit before the madness begins.
You guys are touring in support of your latest album Cryptorania – The Seductiveness of Decay, an absolutely phenomenal album which has been well received across the board. How have the fans across the shows you have already performed received the new songs live?
Thanks for the kind words about the new album. The fans have been really enthusiastic towards the new songs, which is wonderful and really affirming as writers and performers. I always love seeing fans singing along to the new numbers, and getting pits going, which I’m happy to say has been happening nightly!
Given that you have two new albums of material to work through since the last time you played in Australia, how are you going to go about curating a setlist that covers those new releases while also acknowledging the bands storied history?
It actually think it would be nice if we were able to play a little more from ‘Cryptoriana’ and ‘Hammer of the Witches’, but with so many albums to represent, and the 20th anniversary of ‘Cruelty and the Beast’ demanding special attention as well, the setlist is very tight for space. It’s a killer set though, with a great mix of old and new songs. There are big hits, plus deep cuts for the die hard fans as well.
Are there songs that you would like to include in the set that you just don’t have time to? If you could put one song into the set that currently isn’t in there what song would it be?
There are a handful that jump straight to mind for me, but as you’re only asking for one, I’d particularly like to play ‘Wester Vespertine’ from the new album. It’s one of my favourites from ‘Cryptoriana’, and I hope we’ll get a chance to air it at some point in the future.
Cradle of Filth are notorious for touring for extended periods of time, including touring North America before making your way to Asia and Australia on this run. What is something that you wouldn’t be able to live without on tour?
I think I’m pretty good at keeping myself occupied on tour with various activities, mostly tending towards the constructive, but the most important thing is being able to stick my headphones on and relax with some music. Without that, or something to read, the long hours of travelling might quickly become torture.
Does it get difficult touring with the band and crew for these extended periods of time? Does anyone have any bad habits that get on the nerves of the rest of the band?
Nobody’s perfect, and of course, after four months on the road together, we can all get on each other’s nerves occasionally. However, I think it’s a testament to how wonderful a bunch of people I’m out here with that we’re all still like a family and enjoying ourselves on the road, even after such a long time. We’ve been through thick and thin together on this world tour, and we’re still amigos!
REMAINING TOUR DATES:
Friday 11 May – 170 Russell, Melbourne – 18+
Saturday 12 May – Metro Theatre, Sydney – 18+
Monday 14 May – Capitol, Perth – 18+
Tickets Here: www.tickets.destroyalllines.com