In a captivating blend of love and metal, CRADLE OF FILTH guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda and the band’s vocalist-keyboardist, Zoë M. Federoff, have announced their engagement. Zoë, a 31-year-old American vocalist and songwriter, originally from Tucson, Arizona, joined CRADLE OF FILTH in 2022. A versatile artist, she has a rich background in classical vocals, having studied under NIGHTWISH’s Floor Jansen, and has been involved in several metal projects including INSATIA, CATALYST CRIME, and collaborations with bands like ATROCITY and THE VIVALDI METAL PROJECT. She’s also an accomplished lyricist, political campaign professional, and a passionate advocate for public education.
Marek “Ashok” Šmerda, a 48-year-old guitarist from Brno, Czech Republic, has been a dynamic presence in CRADLE OF FILTH since 2014. His contributions to the band’s acclaimed albums like “Hammer Of The Witches” and “Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness Of Decay” showcase his exceptional talent. Ashok’s musical journey spans over two decades, marked by collaborations with diverse bands such as ROOT and EQUIRHODONT, enriching his unique playing style and songwriting.
Their engagement, announced via Zoë’s Instagram, heralds a new chapter in their lives, blending their personal and professional worlds in a harmonious symphony of love and metal. This union not only celebrates their individual achievements but also marks a significant moment in the metal music scene, as two prominent artists come together in both music and life.
