When Cradle of Filth and Devildriver announced a huge co headlining tour. Head’s were rolling across the United States. The anticipation was growing for both Cradle of Filth & Devildriver to hit the road again. It’s been quite some time since Devildriver has been on tour, or even played a show. We last saw Cradle of filth in support of Danzig’s mini tour that were only a few select dates.
The opener of the night was the rock band Black Satellite from New York, NY. Lead vocalist Larissa Vale and guitarist Kyle Hawken started the project and was named one of the top 12 bands you need to know by ‘Alternative Press’. I was highly impressed with this band from top to bottom. Their sound is a little bit industrial, and alternative. The music is bold, catchy, fun, but still serious. Even if you aren’t into theIr music their live performance will absolutely blow you away. I, however, was into their music and from the looks of it everyone in the venue felt the same way, even saw the hardcore Cradle fans getting into it. Their live sound is on point and it literally sounds like you’re listening to the record. The amount of energy the band gives off is second to none. They literally don’t stop moving from the time they hit that stage till the time they walk off. If you haven’t heard of this band you need too!!
Up next was the almighty Devildriver. This band needs no introduction. The impact they have had on the metal scene is second to none. With front man Dez leading the way, this band will continue to destroy ear drums across the world. Devildriver is a giant party and the mosh pit never stops!
It was finally time for Cradle of Filth to take the stage. Opening up the night with ‘Heaven torn Asunder’ off the album ‘ Dusk & Her Embrace 1996’ This was a huge surprise and the perfect start to a night filled with macabre black metal. Dani Filth still commands the stage without skipping a scream or howl. His stage presence is ghoulish and yet somehow haunting beautiful. If I could Dani’s mic stand home I would. The perfectly rotting skeletons entwined together, with the medieval skeleton at the top would be a perfect piece of furniture for anyone into black metal or the goth scene.
Watching Mark Smerda on guitar was a huge highlight for everyone in the crowd. His pinhead get up is phenomenal and how he interacts with the crowd is personal. He stares right in your soul while making eye contact while slowing tilting his head. It’s creepy and right in point with Cradles music. Daniel Firth is a monster of a human being able you cannot pay attention to this beast of a bass player. Zoe who is on keys is actually from Arizona and if you know her she is not the persona that she has on stage. She’s an incredible human being spewing out talent. Martin was tucked away in the back behind the drum screens. So he was definitely hard to see, but we can all agree his drumming is on point and at the top of all the metal drummers out there. To round out the line up is Donny on guitar. I wasn’t familiar with him before, and I am now. He’s such a talent on the guitar and has the stage presence that fits right in line with Cradle of Filth.
The entire show and set list was a memorable one. The Marquee Theater was the perfect host to two of the most respected bands in the industry. Regardless of where Cradle of Filth is in their careers, they always bring that fiery passion to ever live performance. They’re not a hit or miss band where you tell yourself, I’ll catch them next time they come through. You go to their damn show and fuck away all your problems.
Dani Filth, Martin ‘Marthus’ Škaroupka, Daniel Firth, Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda and Donny Burbage, and Zoe Marie Federoff
Heaven Torn Asunder
Gilded Cunt
Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids
She Is a Fire (first time live)
Crawling King Chaos
Born in a Burial
Gown Her Ghost in the Fog
