If I am correct this is the eight time I have witnessed Cradle of Filth, and frankly, except one performance in 013 (early 2000) they have never let me down. Even when, last year, both the keyboard/female vocals Zoey and Ashok left. Well, actually were fired (you can read that here).

Once again, I am not going to delve in this ordeal but focus on the show and music themselves. Although Cradle of Filth are working on a new album, Dani and his Fitlhlings have not released a new song. But that doesn’t keep them from touring. The amount of shows this Suffolk Extreme Gothic Metal band has given the last year(s) is more than fangs on a host of vampires, and since they always play new(er) and old songs they are a lust for the eyes and ears. Now, with a renewed line up they are ready to spread their Vampiric Evil on the globe (preferably in the dark). They have recruited Joff Bailey (ex-Savage Messiah) on guitar and if I’m correct Kelsey Peters plays keyboard and does the female vocals. The same as in 2025 where she did an excellent job.

Today wasn’t sold out but the venue was quite packed, The general atmosphere was uplifting and the beer tasted great! If you have never have been to Leiden, take a touristic day and enjoy this beautiful city. It’s worth your time and attention. But let’s get back to the Nobel, shall we?

At eight o’clock it is time for Izegrim! Good to see that this band is back and seeing Marloes, Jeroen and co. creating havoc on stage. After a hiatus of a few years, burying the Haliphron project, it seems that their Thrash/Death Metal has been resurrected, and deservedly so! This band needs more recognition and it certainly is mort than justified to have a spot on the stage as well as in your home discography. I hope to see a full set soon because they deserve more playtime than approx. forty minutes. Tonight they play as tight as a virgin’s p#$$y. Marloes her throat is very strong and she has loads of energy, constantly moving, entertaining and making contact with the crowd. The guitar tandem plays great and the drums are really solid. With subtle lighting a superb sound Izegrim really gave hell. But I must admit that I miss a bass guitarist a bit, it will just give a bit more punch. But never mind me, because songs as “Sleepless Desire”, “Insanity is Freedom” and closing song “Celebatory Gunfire” are a pure pleasure to watch and hear. Let’s hope Izegrim will venture to a venue near you giving as much hell as they did in Leiden. Good show!

Ater a wait of thirty minutes the intro of Cradle of Filth an ominous intro comes out of the speakers. Soon after that the band plays  “To Live Deliciously”. Dani comes up with a hood portraying his vampyric magic. He and the rest of the band are in excellent form! The sound is crystal clear, the lights are moody and the band is playing like the devil is on their heels.   It seems that almost the same set is played as in Zwolle last year. And with songs “White Hellebore”,” Bahtory Area” (such a great song!), “Her Ghost in the Fog”, “Malignant Perfection”, “The Principle of Evil made Flesh” and many more, we are being treated upon a quick yet intriguing glance of their extended discography.

The audience devoured it and it is so good to see that young and old (even some parents brought their kids) are enjoying this together. And Cradle of Filth also enjoyed themselves. Dani is such a great frontman with his humor, style and energy on the stage. From dancing to a moshpit…it all happened during their show. Luckily, the airco was on because temperature was getting to an infernal degree. I could watch Cradle of Filth every month. Every time I hear “Bathory Area”, “Her Ghost in the Fog” or another anthemic song I get goosebumps. Lets hope CoF will be around for decades because my life wouldn’t be the same without it. With that in mind I will give “Cruelty and the Beast” and “The Screaming of  the Valkyries” another spin just meandering on yesterday’s evening.

Many thanks Nobel and Napalm Records for booking this excellent night of Extreme Gothic delight. Also thanks to Ingrid & Mike for getting me in on such short notice. And dear reader: go support both bands. They deserved it!!

Setlist Cradle of Filth:

1. Intro
2. To Live Deliciously
3. Demagoguery
4. Nocturnal Supremacy
5. Malignant perfection
6. The Principle of Evil Made Flesh
7. How Many Tears to Nurture a Rose?
8. Nymphetamine (Fix)
9. White Hellebore
10. Bathory Area
11. The Promise of Fever
12. Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids
13. Her Ghost in the Fog