Metal fans in Turkey were dealt a blow today as planned concerts by Russian deathcore juggernauts Slaughter To Prevail and Polish black metal legends Behemoth were officially prohibited by local authorities. The cancellation comes amidst a wave of backlash from local groups who argued the performances conflicted with “societal values.”
The shows were scheduled to take place back-to-back at the Zorlu Performing Arts Center Turkcell Stage, with Slaughter To Prevail set to perform tonight (February 10) and Behemoth slated for tomorrow (February 11). However, the Istanbul Governor’s office intervened, enforcing a two-day ban on all ticketed events, festivals, and concerts at the venue effective from 00:01 on February 10 to 23:59 on February 11.
The official decision cited specific legal statutes, including Articles 17 and 22 of Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations and Article 32/Ç of Law No. 5442 on Provincial Administration, as reported by theprp.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül commented on the situation via social media today, taking a hardline stance on the matter:
“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.”
The administrative move appears to be a response to a targeted media campaign. According to a report by Bianet, the Turkish broadcaster Akit TV had launched attacks against both groups. The broadcaster accused Slaughter To Prevail of “preaching satanism and stealing the faith of young people” and described Behemoth as “blatantly opposing religion with their satanic attire.”
Slaughter To Prevail vocalist Alex Terrible immediately responded to the allegations, taking to social media to deny any religious or anti-religious agenda. In a written post, he addressed the claims directly:
“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 later uploaded a video to Instagram to further explain the situation to his fans, expressing sadness over the outcome while acknowledging the band’s powerlessness to change the government’s mind.
“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.”
While Slaughter To Prevail has attempted to clarify their stance, Behemoth has remained silent so far. The Polish band has a well-documented history of using Satanic imagery and challenging religious institutions, but they have not issued a statement regarding the Istanbul ban as of press time.
