There appears to be rising concerns fans and practitioners of certain forms of heavy metal could be facing prosecution in Russia in light of a recent ruling imposed by the Russian Supreme Court. The country’s legislators have recently designated the “International Movement of Satanists” as an extremist/terrorist group. Those found to be involved with the so-called movement, which appears to broadly refer to an alleged pervasive threat of Satanic ideals, rather than an actual group, risk facing up to eight years in prison.
With many metal bands having steeped the the lyrical and visual imagery of their music and personas in Satanism and the occult over the years, it would seem there may be some risk posed to those who run afoul of this new ruling. It remains to be seen how strict enforcement of the legislation will be, as well as how it will affect bands and metalheads who indulge in occult and blasphemous imagery.
In recent years, Russia have been increasingly stringent on what they claim is an invasive movement of ‘Satanic’ behavior and influence, attributing the alleged influx of those ideals as coming from the West. Ivan Pavlov, a prominent Russian human rights lawyer, voiced his concerns as to what this new legislation, which will apparently be able to be enforced retroactively, will have on fans of heavier music and the imagery often associated with it. He was quoted via GB News as saying:
“Will they put people in jail for T-shirts with pentagrams and goat heads? We won’t risk saying for sure, but the practice of cases involving other fictitious ‘extremists’ tells us a lot.”
As it currently stands, with relations remaining frosty between Russia and much of the Western world over tensions stemming from Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, few international artists have opted to include Russia on their touring itineraries in recent years.
One notable exception is divisive metalcore outfit As I Lay Dying, who have been rebuilding their lineup following the latest public implosion of their lineup and the various drama surrounding their controversial frontman Tim Lambesis. That band will be mounting their latest attempt at a comeback tour in Russia this fall, with a trio of shows in the country planned.
However, unlike say Satanic blackened death metallers Behemoth, who are pictured above, As I Lay Dying initially started out steeped in Christian themes, suggesting they likely won’t have any trouble during their time in the country, where Orthodox Christianity remains widely practiced.