Officials in Istanbul preemptively pulled the plug on performances by deathcore act Slaughter To Prevail and blackened death metal outfit Behemoth over what’s being described as potential issues stemming from “societal values.”
In a statement posted on social media, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül explained the cancellations earlier today. In his statement, he said this decision was consistent with long-standing morality rules.
“No activity that corrupts society in Istanbul has ever been permitted up to this day, and it will not be permitted in the future either.”
It’s no secret that metal is seen in many predominantly Muslim countries as a Satanic endeavor. Too often, metal musicians in various Middle Eastern countries are harried by officials and sometimes thrown in jail for their music. In the official press release from the governor’s office (translated from Turkish by our friends at The PRP), public backlash had apparently built up to a point where the shows slated to take place today and tomorrow at Zorlu Performing Arts Center Turkcell Stage had to get nixed.
The official statement cited Articles 17 and 22 of Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations and Article 32/Ç of Law No. 5442 on Provincial Administration. As a result, all events at Zorlu PSM and Zorlu Center have been banned for two days, running until 23:59 tomorrow.
According to a report by Bianet, some members of Turkish media pointed directly at the two bands’ upcoming performances as “preaching satanism and stealing the faith of young people” and “blatantly opposing religion with their satanic attire.”
In the wake of the cancellations, Slaughter To Prevail’s frontman Alex Terrible shot back on the officials’ assessment of his band.
“I have no clue what they saying but we are SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL… Also we are not satanic.
“We are brutal death metal band. I personally will go to Valhalla after I die. Our guitarist… probably will go to hell coz he is orthodox Christian. Turkey’s people I love you and respect your country and religion views. But don’t call me satanic.”
Terrible also took to Instagram and posted a video of himself explaining why the show got cancelled:
“The Turkey show got canceled because one Islamic group of people put a high pressure on select government, saying we’re spreading satanic propaganda, which is completely not true. I believe in God. Our guitarist Jack… he’s literally performing with the Orthodox cross on his chest. But we cannot do anything against Turkey government, and we’re guests here. So respectfully, I don’t know what to do. It’s very sad situation.”
Of course, Behemoth is no stranger to religious zealotry hampering their ability to perform. I’m sure Nergal will have a reaction sooner than later.