Metal Anarchy

Governor Davut Gül has cancelled Slaughter To Prevail and Behemoth’s shows in Istanbul, Turkey. He made the move after claiming the two acts clashed with their “societal values.”

Gül said the following:

“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.”

He also issued a press release:

“As a result of the preparations for the concert events to be held at the Zorlu Performing Arts Center Turkcell Stage within the boundaries of our district, on February 10th at 21:30 by the group “Slaughter To Prevail” and on February 11th at 21:30 by the group “BEHEMOTH” ;

It has been observed that the events have caused a backlash from many segments of society due to their incompatibility with our societal values.

Therefore, pursuant to Articles 17 and 22 of Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations and Article 32/Ç of Law No. 5442 on Provincial Administration;

It has been decided that all kinds of concerts, festivals, group and ticketed programs, etc., events within Zorlu PSM and Zorlu Center are PROHIBITED for a period of 2 (two) days, from 00:01 on 10.02.2026 to 23:59 on 11.02.2026.

RESPECTFULLY ANNOUNCED TO THE PUBLIC.”

According to Bianet, Akit TV was one of the outlets condemning the concerts. That Turkish broadcaster said the following about the bands:

“Bands named ‘Slaughter To Prevail,’ who preach satanism and steal the faith of young people, and ‘Behemoth,’ who blatantly oppose religion with their satanic attire, are coming to Turkey.”

Slaughter To Prevail’s Alex Terrible said the following regarding those reports:

“I have no clue what they saying but we are SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL not sliden to previl

Also we are not satanic. We are brutal death metal band. I personally will go to Valhalla after I die . Our guitarist @thegrebfather 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”

He also added the following about the cancellation:

“I just found out about the news.

The Turkey show got canceled because one Islamic group of people put a high pressure on select government, saying, we spreading satanic propaganda, which is completely not true.

I believe in God. Our guitarist Jack [Simmons], he’s literally performing with the Orthodox cross on his chest. But we cannot do anything against Turkey government, and we’re a guest here. So respectfully, I don’t know what to do. It’s very sad situation.”

[via The PRP]