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NASHVILLE, TN — British gothic metal titans Cradle Of Filth have officially cemented their lineup with the permanent addition of guitarist Joff Bailey, effectively ending months of speculation following a tumultuous period of internal legal warfare. Bailey, a veteran of the UK thrash and power metal scene, joins the fold as the band simultaneously battles a high-profile lawsuit filed by several former members, including Bailey’s predecessor, Marek “Ashok” Šmerda.

TL;DR: The Key Takeaways

• New Blood: Joff Bailey (formerly of Savage Messiah) is now a permanent member of Cradle Of Filth, replacing long-time guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda.
• Legal Battle: The band remains embroiled in a lawsuit filed by Ashok, Zoe Marie Federoff, and three other former members over allegations of poor pay, defamation, and copyright infringement.
• Studio Update: Bailey has already contributed to the band’s forthcoming 15th studio album, which frontman Dani Filth describes as “heavier and more brutal” than their 2025 release.
• On The Road: The new lineup is currently headlining the “Majestic In Death Tour” across the U.S. alongside Suffocation, Ghost Bath, and Cultus Black.

A “Majestic” Debut: Joff Bailey Takes the Stage

The announcement comes as Cradle Of Filth continues their North American campaign on the Majestic In Death Tour. Joff Bailey’s addition was confirmed via the band’s official social media channels, welcoming the East Sussex-born shredder into the fold. Bailey is best known for his work with the London thrash outfit Savage Messiah, where his intricate lead work and aggressive rhythm style earned him a reputation as one of the UK’s premier technical guitarists.

Bailey’s first run with the group has been nothing short of intensive, showcasing material from the band’s 14th studio album, The Screaming Of The Valkyries (released March 2025), while integrating his own style into the band’s storied catalog. Fans attending recent stops in Houston and Oklahoma City have praised Bailey’s stage presence and his custom Schecter Flying-V attack, which fits seamlessly into the theatrical chaos of a Dani Filth production.

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The Fallout: Lawsuits and “Psychopathic” Contracts

The shadow looming over this transition is the ongoing legal fallout from the departures of guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda and his wife, keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff. The couple exited the group in August 2025 amidst a flurry of public accusations. Federoff infamously quit mid-tour, later alleging “low pay” and “stressful” working conditions, while Ashok claimed his firing was a retaliation for raising concerns about management and contractual issues.

The drama escalated in late 2025 when a lawsuit was filed in Arizona naming Dani Filth, The Oracle Management, and Cradle Of Filth LLP as defendants. The plaintiffs—which include Ashok, Federoff, and former members Paul Allender, Richard Shaw, and Lindsay Matheson—allege copyright infringement, misappropriation of likeness for merchandise, and unpaid royalties. The suit even contains specific allegations regarding the “destruction of equipment,” including a microphone belonging to Federoff. While Dani Filth has largely remained silent on the litigation, he recently noted that the band has “moved the goalposts” creatively, focusing entirely on the future rather than the courtroom.

The 15th Studio Album: Heavier, More Brutal

Despite the legal distractions, Cradle Of Filth is moving forward with clinical efficiency. Dani Filth has confirmed that the band’s 15th studio album is already deep in development, with Joff Bailey playing a key role in the songwriting process.

“The new album… is a step up from [The Screaming Of The Valkyries],” Filth recently told Australia’s Metal On Tap. “I think it’s heavier. There’s some really brutal parts in it.” The band is expected to enter the studio in full force this summer following their Australian dates with DevilDriver, with a potential release window in early 2027. For Bailey, who helped craft the thrash-laden anthems of Savage Messiah, this new record represents a chance to leave a permanent mark on the Cradle Of Filth legacy.

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FAQ: Cradle Of Filth Lineup & Tour

Why did Marek “Ashok” Šmerda leave Cradle Of Filth?

Ashok was officially fired in late 2025 following a period of tension after his wife, Zoe Marie Federoff, quit mid-tour. He is currently one of several former members suing the band over contractual and financial disputes.

Who is the new guitarist for Cradle Of Filth?

Joff Bailey is the permanent replacement. He is formerly of the thrash/power metal band Savage Messiah.

When is the new Cradle Of Filth album coming out?

The band is currently recording their 15th studio album. While no official date is set, a 2027 release is anticipated following the completion of their 2026 touring cycle.

Band Bio: Cradle Of Filth

Founded in 1991 in Suffolk, England, Cradle Of Filth is one of the most successful and influential extreme metal bands in history. Led by the unmistakable vocals of founding member Dani Filth, the band evolved from raw black metal into a highly theatrical, gothic, and symphonic powerhouse. With landmark releases like Dusk… and Her Embrace and Cruelty and the Beast, they have maintained a career spanning over three decades and 14 studio albums.

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The post LEGAL SHADOWS & BRUTAL RIFFS: Cradle Of Filth Officially Welcomes New Guitarist Joff Bailey Amid Ongoing Lawsuit appeared first on Loaded Radio.

(April was a sorry month in many ways for many people, but it still yielded a lot of good heavy albums, and in his latest monthly roundup of reviews our friend Gonzo picks out four of them.) These days, it feels like I’m behind on everything: Behind on new heavy music, behind on listening to […]

The post GONZO’S HEAVY ROUNDUP, APRIL 2026 appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.

Sometimes, you see your reflection in a snow-covered hill and you notice that you’re wearing the most elaborate and ridiculous costume that anyone has ever seen. Also, maybe there’s a parasitic billionaire oligarch standing next to you. Last night, the Met Gala brought many, many fancy people out to New York’s Metropolitan Museum Of Art. The theme for this year’s big party was “Costume Art” — or, to be more maddeningly vague, “Fashion Is Art.” Many, many pop stars were in attendance, and a couple of them performed together.

The post Sabrina Carpenter And Stevie Nicks Sing “Landslide” At The Met Gala appeared first on Stereogum.

The post <em>Stadium Arcadium</em> Turns 20 appeared first on Stereogum.

Joe Strummer’s work with The Clash defined a band that refused to stay in one lane, building a catalog that moved quickly from raw punk urgency to a broader, more ambitious sound that drew on reggae, ska, funk, and early hip-hop. As lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Strummer became the central voice of the group, shaping its lyrical direction with a focus on social tension, identity, and life in late 1970s Britain. The band came together in London in 1976 with Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and drummer Terry Chimes, later replaced by Topper Headon, and quickly established itself within the

The post Top 10 Clash Songs Sung By Joe Strummer appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

LISTEN: Latest Metal News on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast

LAS VEGAS, NV — Five Finger Death Punch have officially announced the UK and European leg of their monumental 20th Anniversary World Tour, set to dominate arenas in early 2027. The Las Vegas heavyweights, who have spent two decades evolving into a global “battleship” of the hard rock scene, are bringing along an equally formidable lineup. Joining the tour as special guests are Richmond groove-metal legends Lamb of God, with Scottish breakout force Bleed from Within rounding out what is being hailed as one of the strongest heavy tour packages of the decade.

TL;DR: The Key Takeaways

• The Milestone: The tour celebrates 20 years since the band’s 2005 formation and the 2007 release of their seminal debut, The Way Of The Fist.
• New Music Alert: 5FDP’s tenth studio album is slated for release later in 2026, with a brand-new lead single expected to drop this month.
• The Route: The 21-city trek kicks off in Manchester, UK, on January 16, 2027, and concludes in Helsinki, Finland, on February 22.
• Stacked Lineup: Lamb of God will support across most dates (except Prague and Copenhagen), with Bleed from Within appearing at all shows.

Get your tickets at this location.

UK & EUROPE TOUR DATES

Sat 16th January 2027            Manchester, UK – AO Arena
Sun 17th January 2027           Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro Arena
Tue 19th January 2027            Dublin, IE – 3Arena
Fri 22nd January 2027             Birmingham, UK – BP Pulse Arena
Sat 23rd January 2027            London, UK – O2 Arena
Tue 26th January 2027            Düsseldorf, DE – PSD Arena
Wed 27th January 2027          Hamburg, DE – Barclays Arena
Fri 29th January 2027              Lodz, PL – Atlas Arena
Sun 31st January 2027           Prague, CZ – O2 Arena *^
Tue 2nd February 2027           Munich, DE – Olympiahalle
Thu 4th February 2027            Stuttgart, DE – Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle
Sun 7th February 2027            Amsterdam, NL – AFAS Arena
Mon 8th February 2027           Brussels, BE – Vorst National
Wed 10th February 2027         Paris, FR – Accor Arena
Fri 12th February 2027            Zurich, CH – Hallenstadion
Sun 14th February 2027          Vienna, AT – Stadthalle
Tue 16th February 2027          Berlin, DE – Uber Arena
Wed 17th February 2027         Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena*
Fri 19th February 2027            Oslo, NO – Unity Arena
Sat 20th February 2027           Stockholm, SE – Avicii Arena
Mon 22nd February 2027        Helsinki, FI – Veikkaus Arena

*without Lamb of God / ^with Dymytry

Two Decades of Dominance: The Way of the Battleship

The 20th Anniversary World Tour is more than just a trip down memory lane; it is a statement of intent from a band that has amassed over 15 billion global streams. Founding guitarist Zoltan Bathory compared the band’s trajectory to building a warship, noting that despite two decades of industry upheaval and personal challenges, the 5FDP fanbase is currently larger than it has ever been.

“We built this band like a battleship—twenty years of everything life could throw at us, and we’re not just still here, we’re still growing,” Bathory stated. The tour follows a massive 2026 North American run alongside outlaw country star Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire, proving that the band’s reach continues to transcend traditional genre boundaries.

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Reclaiming the Legacy: The “Best Of” Re-Recordings

A significant portion of the current 5FDP narrative involves their “Best Of” volumes. Both Volume 1 and Volume 2 feature newly re-recorded versions of their massive hits, such as “I Refuse” (featuring Maria Brink) and “The End” (featuring BABYMETAL). These albums were created as a direct response to the band’s original masters being sold without their knowledge, allowing the group to reclaim their sonic history.

“The End” recently made history as the first track featuring Japanese lyrics to reach #1 on U.S. Rock Radio, a milestone that underscores the band’s global influence. The upcoming 20th-anniversary shows will reportedly feature a mix of these classic anthems alongside brand-new material from their forthcoming tenth studio album.

Special Guests: Lamb of God and Bleed from Within

Adding serious weight to the bill is Lamb of God, who are currently touring behind their tenth studio album, Into Oblivion. Known for their uncompromising intensity and precision, the Randy Blythe-led outfit remains one of the most respected entities in heavy music.

Meanwhile, Glasgow’s Bleed from Within have spent the last few years ascending to superstar status within the UK scene. Their latest effort, Zenith, has been lauded as their most intrepid work to date, positioning them as the perfect opening act to ignite the arena crowds across the continent.

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FAQ: 5FDP 20th Anniversary Tour

When do tickets go on sale for the 5FDP 2027 European tour? Artist, O2, and Venue Partner presales begin Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time. The general on-sale follows on Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m. local time.

Who is the opening band for Five Finger Death Punch in 2027? The tour features Lamb of God (on most dates) and Bleed from Within. For the North American 2026 leg, guests include Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire.

Is there a new Five Finger Death Punch album coming out? Yes. The band’s tenth studio album is expected to release later in 2026, with the first single anticipated to arrive this month (May 2026).

Band Bio: Five Finger Death Punch

Formed in 2005 in Las Vegas, Five Finger Death Punch (5FDP) is a multi-platinum hard rock powerhouse. With 13 consecutive Billboard Mainstream Rock #1 singles—the longest streak in the chart’s history—they have become one of the most recognizable names in modern music. Beyond the charts, the band is noted for their extensive philanthropic work with veterans and first responders, even earning the prestigious Soldier Appreciation Award.

STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of what’s happening in metal news today on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast, or crank the hard rock and metal on our 24/7 live digital stream.

The post BATTLESHIP READY: Five Finger Death Punch Announce Massive 20th Anniversary 2027 UK and European Tour appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Debut album “Spirit” to be released in May via The Circle Music

Heavy gothic rock band Blossom Death have released the next single and video, “Morning After”, off their upcoming debut album Spirit, which will be out on 21 May 2026 via The Circle Music. 

Watch the lyric video: https://www.side-line.com/blossom-death-morning-after-single/

Listen to “Morning After”: https://thecirclemusic.lnk.to/morningafter

Following the release of the first single “Stone Kiss” (Stream/Video), “Morning After” explores the psychological and emotional weight of reaching a breaking point. According to the band, the song centres on the concept that “when your soul hits its lowest point, then and only then, your real core can be exposed”.

Lyrically, the song navigates themes of addiction, deception, and the stark reality of the morning after a personal disaster. The track features the band’s signature blend of heavy, driving riffs and the atmospheric vocal interplay between Kostas “Corax” Katoikos and Marita Makaronidi, highlighting the band’s focus on “affection of shame” and the search for redemption through pain.

Formed in late 2018 in Varkiza, Greece, Blossom Death was established by former Sorrowful Angels frontman and lyricist Kostas “Corax” Katoikos, alongside Marita Makaronidi and drummer Argy Deligianopoulos. After debuting with the EP Mistaken in 2019, the band spent the following years expanding their line-up and refining a sound that balances heavy guitar riffs with atmospheric, melodic arrangements. 2023 saw the band release a split EP, Eon Must Fail, with In Burial. 

The upcoming album, Spirit, is a move towards more complex, emotionally charged dynamics. The tracks lean into the contrast between dark, introspective melodies and high-intensity instrumental sections, reflecting the band’s focus on themes of transformation and depth.

Spirit – track-list:

1. Stone Kiss
2. Fallen
3. Morning After
4. Solitude
5. Spirit of Life
6. Before I can See

Album pre-order: https://thecirclemusic.gr/product/blossom-death-spirit-digi-cd-12-page-booklet/

Digital album pre-save: https://thecirclemusic.lnk.to/Spirit

Blossom Death online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlossomDeathBand/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomdeath.band

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dw5NeFVgc8ax4sIuA8wOv?si=IpSAkUQQT8Ol_Qiy_q4QJA

The Circle Music online:
Website: https://thecirclemusic.gr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Circle-Music-109161897443413/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_circle_music/

Bandcamp: https://thecirclemusicfamily.bandcamp.com/

Source: 3nation