On March 21, the iconic extreme metal band Cradle of Filth unveiled their highly anticipated 14th studio album, The Screaming of the Valkyries. On the same evening, the legendary frontman Dani Filth joined Loudwire Nights to commemorate the album’s release, delve into the band’s illustrious legacy, and reveal details about a surprising collaboration he has been teasing for some time.

“It doesn’t matter how many albums you produce; it’s an extraordinary milestone for your fans,” Filth shared with host Chuck Armstrong regarding the launch of The Screaming of the Valkyries. You can listen to the complete conversation in the audio player located near the conclusion of this article.

“This project has been in the works for several years, from the initial concept and brainstorming of songs to finally delivering the mastered tracks to the record label. It is the genuine article, and it still gets your adrenaline pumping,” he expressed enthusiastically.

Upon the album’s announcement, it was touted as heralding a fresh chapter for Cradle of Filth, a sentiment Filth seemed to wholeheartedly endorse.

“Every album is a monumental event,” he remarked.

“Things are progressing well within the band, which signals the dawn of a new era. I believe this album is very contemporary, blending our historical influences with modern sounds. We are surrounded by fantastic people, including our brilliant management duo, Dez Fafara and his wife, a stellar crew, and a plethora of upcoming gigs, especially our co-headlining tour with Dying Fetus on the Chaos & Carnage tour. So, yes, I would say this marks a new era for sure.”

Unveiling Cradle of Filth’s Surprising Collaboration with Ed Sheeran

In addition to celebrating the release of The Screaming of the Valkyries, Dani Filth took time to discuss an intriguing upcoming collaboration with an unexpected artist: Ed Sheeran.

“The track itself is phenomenal,” Filth stated excitedly.

“It embodies the essence of both him and us, and it’s going to be a fantastic experience. It’s truly great, but it won’t be released just yet.”

The delay in the release is partly because Filth wants to ensure that The Screaming of the Valkyries garners the attention it truly deserves, and Sheeran is also focusing on his own projects at this time.

“I understand that people may not grasp it, but that’s what makes it exciting for me. I relish the opportunity to pursue unconventional collaborations,” he added.

The Hilarious Backstory of Cradle of Filth and Ed Sheeran’s Connection

While discussing the collaboration, Filth recounted a humorous anecdote about the first time Sheeran almost connected with Cradle of Filth.

“Years ago, he was set to undertake a work placement for his college,” Filth reminisced.

“He aimed to do it at our studio, believing we were recording an album there, which was why he wanted to be involved. However, the producer, who was overseeing the studio, was aware that we weren’t actually recording anything significant. While he wished we could, he knew we were merely rehearsing before heading to another location for the album recording.”

Sheeran was convinced that Cradle of Filth would be recording at that studio, so he ensured his internship was at the same site.

“I think he arrived at the studio and quickly realized the producer was a bit eccentric. Subsequently, he was assigned to a job at the local council, which he didn’t want to do at all. He even mentioned, ‘It was at that moment I understood I wanted to be a musician, and I never want a job like that again,’” Filth chuckled.

READ MORE: Cradle of Filth’s 5 Favorite H.P. Lovecraft Stories

When Chuck heard this tale, he humorously suggested that Cradle of Filth may have inadvertently kick-started Sheeran‘s astronomical career.

With a laugh, Filth agreed, saying, “There’s a bill in the mail to him right now for several, several thousand million dollars.”

Insights from Dani Filth on his Experience in the Music Industry During Loudwire Nights

• Why the release of The Screaming of the Valkyries feels especially significant: “It feels like a fresh start. Perhaps it’s because we have a new record label. Everything seems revitalized, and there are opportunities to seize. It’s refreshing and energizing … In the past, we typically released albums towards the year’s end, which often felt like a dying time, but this feels like it’s truly coming to life. It signifies change.”
• His perspective on reflecting — not dwelling — on his career: “It’s about longevity, evolution, adaptation, and learning from past mistakes. Being in a position where you’ve made various errors and have traveled extensively, you learn how to navigate the touring life. You understand what works, what doesn’t, and what brings you comfort. You put in the hard work and enjoy the fruits of your labor… it’s invigorating.”
• What it was like creating music in the early-’90s: “You envision what you want the band to become and how many fans you wish to perform for. I dare anyone to claim they only aspired to be a one-man black metal project … Everyone dreams of achieving greatness, though not everyone ends up there. I believe we’ve accomplished what we set out to do or what our aspirations wanted us to achieve.”

Catch the Full Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Dani Filth appeared on Loudwire Nights on Friday, March 21; the show replays online here, and you can listen live every weeknight at 7 PM ET via the Loudwire app; you can also check if the show is available on your local radio station and enjoy interviews on-demand.