Richard HolmesJapanese death metallers Defiled have been forced to cancel their shows in Malaysia over the Easter weekend, following intervention by the country’s Christian authorities,
Gigs in Sibu and Miri by Defiled – and other acts – will now not go ahead, after The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) questioned why the Malaysian government was allowing the performances to take place during Easter.
Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, general secretary of The Council of Churches of Malaysia told Channel News Asia: “The CCM calls upon the relevant authorities to explain the basis for granting permission to such bands that promote their music by using extremely offensive and denigrating language that can hurt the religious feelings of others.
“This will be considered an affront to the religious sentiments of Christians in the country.”
In response to the cancellations, Defiled guitarist Yusuke commented: “I am quite disappointed that some people still have serious misunderstanding about metal music and metal heads in general.
“Music is just music, like a movie is just a movie! Some bands may be singing about Satan, but it has to be understood that metal music is just metaphor to stand for intentional aberration.
“Metalheads listen to metal music for the energy and to have fun; and also indulge in various forms of black humour, making it a kind of cathartic activity, helping them to momentarily forget about daily life’s pressure and issues.
“Most metalheads are peaceful and open minded individuals, nobody has intentions of hurting anyone. Nothing more, nothing less. I truly hope people will start to understand that.”
Defiled are currently touring in support of their latest album, Towards Inevitable Ruin,out on Season Of Mist.