In a plot twist so very Cradle of Filth, Zoë Marie Federoff-Šmerda has announced her sudden exit from the band mid-tour. The 33-year-old vocalist/keyboardist, who joined the eternally rotating lineup of CRADLE OF FILTH in 2022, bowed out with a statement citing “personal reasons” and a polite request for privacy.
The band is currently grinding through a Latin American tour, and fans were surprised when Dani Filth hopped on social media to confirm that Federoff had indeed left effective immediately, replaced on the spot by CREWDLE member Kelsey Peters. Dani, ever the showman, reassured fans that the “Screaming of the Americas” shows would remain unsullied and that “long live the Filth” was still the official party line.
But here’s the kicker: Zoë just married Cradle guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda this past January in Tucson. And in her follow-up statement, she admitted that not only had she and Ashok already been planning to leave later this year—but that circumstances simply “sped things up” for her. Translation: enjoy the honeymoon phase, because it’s looking like Ashok might soon be Cradle’s next missing piece.
For those keeping score at home, Ashok has been with CRADLE OF FILTH since 2014. That’s basically an eternity in Filth-years. But with his new wife already out the crypt door, one has to wonder: how long before Ashok trades “Nymphetamine” for “newlywed quiet life in Arizona”?
The Curse of the Cradle Keyboards
Zoë’s departure also continues the strange pattern of women in CRADLE OF FILTH. She clocked just about three years in the band—about average in Filth-time. Here’s the running tally:
Ashley “Ellyllon” Jurgemeyer – 1 year (2009–2010)
Caroline Campbell – 2 years (2010–2012)
Lindsay Schoolcraft – 5 years (2014–2019)
Anabelle Iratni – 3 years (2019–2022)
Zoë Federoff – 3 years (2022–2025)
That makes Zoë the 26th confirmed ex-member in CRADLE OF FILTH’s sprawling graveyard of lineups. Dani Filth remains the last man standing, apparently immortal, fueled entirely by eyeliner and sarcasm.
So while the band storms onward with their latest replacement, fans are left wondering—who’s really next? Because if history has taught us anything about Cradle of Filth, it’s that no member (aside from Dani) is safe from the revolving-door curse.
Place your bets now: Ashok, you’re on the clock.
