A metal band just announced they made the decision to cancel some upcoming shows.
The reason? Religious pushback.
In a statement published to their Instagram page this week, Behemoth — a Polish blackened death metal band first formed in the 1990s — informed fans they cancelled both of their performances scheduled in Turkey.
“Despite exhausting every possible avenue throughout the day and engaging in extensive discussions, the decision from local authorities remains final,” the statement reads. “There is simply nothing further we can do to overturn it.
“The cancellations come after pressure from religious groups who have characterized our art as satanic propaganda and deemed it unacceptable. This is another example of ideology being used to suppress artistic expression and restrict cultural freedom.”
“Behemoth has always stood for creative independence and the right of artists to express themselves without censorship,” the statement continued. “Music is not a threat, but silencing it should concern anyone who values freedom of expression.”
According to Metal Injection, performances by both Behemoth and Slaughter To Prevail were also cancelled at the Zorlu Performing Arts Center Turkcell Stage earlier this week.
“No activity that corrupts society in Istanbul has ever been permitted to this day, and it will not be permitted in the future either,” later wrote Istanbul Governor Davut Gül.
Information regarding potential refunds for the cancelled performances has yet to be posted.
Metal Music
Read the original article on pennlive.com.