Planned live shows by deathcore outfit Slaughter To Prevail and Polished blackened death metallers Behemoth have been banned by local authorities in the city of Istanbul, Turkey in light of local pushback. Both shows were scrapped for conflicting with ‘societal values’, with Istanbul’s Governor Davut Gül addressing the matter briefly on social media today, February 10th, stating:
“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.”
An official press release issued from his office regarding the cancelations reads as follows (translated from Turkish to English via Google Translate):
‘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.'
Bianet report that Turkish broadcaster Akit TV had targeted the concerts, with one of their hosts stating:
“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.”
While Behemoth have a long history of celebrating Satan, Slaughter To Prevail do not. Alex Terrible, vocalist for the latter Russian deathcore outfit, pushed back against those claims of his band’s religious beliefs in a post made on his social media regarding one of the news reports aired in Turkey regarding the shows:
“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”
In a separate video posted on his Instagram story, Terrible stated today, February 10th [transcribed by theprp.com]:
“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.”
Behemoth, who have a long history of offending religious organizations and authorities for their Satanic beliefs, do not yet appear to have commented on the cancelation as of press time.
