Metal Anarchy

Guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda has revealed that he will be exiting Cradle Of Filth following their current tour. This news comes shortly after his wife, keyboardist/vocalist Zoë Marie Federoff, announced her departure from the group.

Šmerda said the following:

“Dear fans and friends,

I ask you to please respect my wife and myself in this transitional period. I am indeed leaving Cradle Of Filth at the end of this current tour, and the reasons behind this are conclusions my wife and I came together at long before this week. We simply do not feel like Cradle can provide for our future, and in fact hinders it. Among other reasons it is a lot of work for relatively low pay, the stress is quite high, and we haven’t felt for a while like this band actually prioritizing/caring about members. It has been years of unprofessional behavior from people above us that led to our decision.

I have also asked all compositions of mine removed from upcoming releases including Ed Sheeran collab. This song feels like foolish clown antics for me at this point anyways- first it was charity single for kids, then for profit single, then on next album, and now who knows and I just do not want to be involved anymore, no disrespect to Ed Sheeran.

And meanwhile so many ‘brilliant’ Internet brains trying to speculate on personal affairs between me and Zoe– just stop this, please. We are trying to start new chapter.

And I am going to finish this tour strong! For the fans and for my friends in this band and crew! It is my last ride with Cradle and I am proud to give it my best. I am sad to not share the stage with my wife these last times but I respect why she left and I am happy our friend Kelsey Peters has been given opportunity to shine.

This is all I have to say for now. Leave my wife alone. NEVER insult her or her choices in my presence… or else”