After six years, the masters of gothic black metal, Cradle of Filth , returned to Brazil for a show in São Paulo that marked the departure of keyboardist Zoë Marie Federoff and the announcement of guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda . The opening acts were the Brazilian band Tellus Terror and the American band UADA .
Five minutes earlier than expected, Tellus Terror took the stage to showcase the power of Brazilian death metal. The band started the show with "Amborella's Child" and kept the audience in a trance with a brutal sequence that went from "Absolute Zero" to "Darkest Rubicon". The venue wasn't full yet, but those present could appreciate the musicians' skill, who were cheered right from the start.
The audience responded energetically to “Psyclone Darxide” and “Empty Nails,” which sounded even more devastating live. The climax came with the trio of “Lone Sky Universum,” “Shattered Murano Heart,” and “Sickroom Bed,” demonstrating the versatility between melody and aggression, before closing with “Brain Technology Pt. II,” creating the ideal atmosphere for the next act and confirming that Tellus Terror is not in anyone's shadow.
Next, UADA plunged the audience into the underworld of black metal. With all members hooded and under dark lighting, the Americans opened the show with the impactful “Natus Eclipsim,” creating a hypnotic atmosphere. The sequence with “Djinn” and “Blood Sand Ash” intensified the atmosphere. With melodic solos and visceral energy, they transformed the show into a true ritual of shadows and fury.
The closing set, featuring “Cult of a Dying Sun” and “Black Autumn, White Spring,” brought even more brutality. This resulted in a sonic storm that left the audience somewhere between shock and awe, setting the stage for the night's headliners.
Cradle of Filth remains one of the most impactful names in extreme metal.
After a 20-minute delay, the main act finally took the stage at Carioca Club. With the venue packed and anticipation running high, Cradle of Filth began their performance in a ritualistic atmosphere with "To Live Deliciously." This was followed by the devastating "The Forest Whispers My Name," a classic that sent the crowd into raptures.
Vocalist Dani Filth emerged in top form, alternating his demonic vocals with raspy high notes that echoed throughout the venue. The band, extremely sharp, erected a solid sonic wall. “She Is a Fire” and “Malignant Perfection” showcased the strength of the new compositions, maintaining high energy and proving that the group doesn't just live off past glories.
The historical weight emerged with “The Principle of Evil Made Flesh,” which brought nostalgia to longtime fans, followed by one of the most intense moments of the night: “Heartbreak and Seance.” In this track, the group's characteristic brutality merged with symphonic elements, highlighting the essence of their sound. Emotion took over the audience during “Nymphetamine (Fix),” one of the most memorable choruses of the band's career.
Without a pause, Cradle of Filth followed with “Born in a Burial Gown” and the somber “White Hellebore,” taking fans on a true emotional rollercoaster. For the encore, the sonic onslaught reached its peak. “Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids” made the venue explode, highlighting the epic grandeur of the album Cruelty and the Beast .
Next, “Death Magick for Adepts” immersed the audience in a ritualistic atmosphere, setting the stage for the perfect closing with “Her Ghost in the Fog,” sung at the top of their lungs by those present.
The ending was cathartic, with the Carioca Club filled with warm applause, confirming that Cradle of Filth remains one of the most impactful and indispensable names in extreme metal worldwide.
It's worth noting that, the day after the São Paulo show, keyboardist Zoë Marie Federoff officially announced her departure from the band. This surprised fans, as she had delivered an excellent performance the previous night. Guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda, Zoë's husband, remains on the tour, despite having previously expressed interest in leaving. Fortunately, the internal turmoil did not compromise the performance, which proved magnificent amidst the chaos experienced by the group.
Check out photos by Wellington Penilha
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