Cradle of Faith performing at The Granada Theater in Lawrence, Kansas, on Thursday, May 21, 2026. [Photo credit: Reagan Johnson]

REAGAN JOHNSON | Go Venue Magazine

On Thursday, May 21st, Cradle of Filth played The Granada Theater in Lawrence, Kansas, to kick off the long Memorial Day weekend.

The first opener of the night was North Carolina melodic death core band, Cultus Black. This was most concertgoers’ first time seeing this band live, as a cheer from the crowd indicated when asked by lead vocalist James Anthony Legion. The band lead the crowd in a chant of their name and left them with the parting message “We are Cultus Black, and don’t fucking forget it!”. I am confident that no one in attendance Thursday night will forget about Cultus Black.

Next on the bill for the night was fan favorite Ghost Bath. This band did not waste any time laying into their hard-hitting set. This was the first time I’ve seen a band at a show this size go from lights on soundcheck directly into their set. No lead-up, no music, lights down, anticipation. They meant business. This North Dakota black metal band brought their signature sound and energetic performance, and the crowd felt every bit of it.

New York death metal band Suffocation’s set had been highly anticipated all night. Excited yells from the crowd broke out from the moment the band’s team began setting the stage for them. This band has a large and loyal fan base, and they turned out Thursday night. Their reputation is absolutely warranted. This band brought a professional, perfectly honed sound to the Granada. They connect so well with the crowd and keep the energy raging throughout the night.

The stage was set for Cradle of Filth, and the crowd could hardly contain themselves. Fans let out excited yells and cheers. Several concertgoers trembled in anticipation. This band has one of the most loyal and enamored fan bases that I have witnessed in the genre. Hailing from Suffolk, England, Cradle of Filth’s reach knows no bounds. The band members took the stage, and the crowd lit up. Following them onto stage shortly after was lead vocalist Dani Filth in his signature executioner’s hood. This part of the show never gets old. The theatrics fired the crowd up to a fever pitch before he revealed himself, and the whole band took off into the set like a bat out of hell. This stop on the tour was a perfect mix of songs from albums throughout their extensive career. One of the highlights for me was when they played the titular track “The Principal of Evil Made Flesh” from their first album. In between songs, Dani Filth engaged with the crowd, joking that his father’s name is Lawrence, so that basically makes him an American. The reaction from the crowd backed up his claim. He also let fans know that the band has another album in the works at the moment, which sent a wave of excitement through the sea of faces. Cradle of Filth ended the show in Lawrence with the always anticipated track Her Ghost in the Fog. The song gets better every time I see it performed live.

Lawrence was honored to have Cradle of Filth stop by on this tour, and I am positive it won’t be the last time. You won’t want to miss it next time.

Cradle of Filth Suffocation Ghost Bath Cultus Black All images © Reagan Johnson

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