Zoë Marie Federoff has launched a new musical project with the cinematic symphonic metal collective Catalyst Crime. This follows her departure from Cradle of Filth and subsequent conflict with the band’s frontman Dani Filth. The group has released their new single and video, “Cursebreaker,” now available on all digital platforms via Massacre Records.
The single carries deeply personal significance for Federoff. She drew inspiration from a remarkable historical figure. “This song was inspired by the story of my husband’s mother,” Federoff shared. “She was part of a resistance network behind the Iron Curtain in then-Czechoslovakia, and she secretly translated banned literature into Czech before helping facilitate its distribution.”
Federoff reflected on the legacy of her late mother-in-law, whom she never had the opportunity to meet. “I never got to meet my mother-in-law, as she sadly died over a decade ago, but everything I’ve ever heard paints her as a hero with a golden heart who helped change the world around her for the better — the ultimate ‘Cursebreaker’,” she explained.
The release marks a significant step forward for Federoff following her split from Cradle of Filth. Her departure from the band came suddenly in August 2025 during a South American tour. She cited “personal reasons” and requested privacy for herself and her family.
The situation escalated when her husband, guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda, also announced his departure from Cradle of Filth at the end of the same tour. Metal Sucks reported that Šmerda publicly criticized the band and management. He alleged poor pay relative to the workload, high stress, and years of unprofessional behavior within the organization. He expressed frustration that the band did not prioritize or genuinely care about its members.
Frontman Dani Filth responded with a detailed public statement addressing the controversy. Metal Injection documented that Filth described the situation as a “strange turn of events.” He defended the band and management against the accusations. Filth claimed that the contracts presented to Federoff and Šmerda were rough drafts meant only as starting points and not final agreements. He denied claims of financial misconduct. Filth also alleged that the couple exhibited abusive behavior during the tour, including drunken arguments with verbal and physical abuse witnessed by fans. This contributed to tension within the team.
Federoff publicly refuted speculations about marital issues. She emphasized that her relationship with Šmerda remained intact despite the turmoil caused by band tensions. Loudwire noted that she asked fans to refrain from nastiness and to be kind to her husband. She asserted that their exit was motivated by professional, not personal, conflicts. The couple’s decision to leave marked a significant turning point for both the band and the former members, who are now pursuing new creative ventures.
With Catalyst Crime, Federoff has found an outlet to channel her artistic vision and personal stories into meaningful music. The release of “Cursebreaker” demonstrates her commitment to moving forward. She is creating work that honors both her heritage and her values.
