Local Christian authorities have forced DEFILED, among other bands, to cancel their shows in Malaysia which should have taken place during the upcoming Easter weekend. Local Christian authorities have intervened a few days prior the performances, questioning the government why the bands were granted permission to play on this particular weekend.
The council’s general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri said (via 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.”
Both shows in Sibu and Miri have been cancelled due to this reason. A list of remaining live dates can be found below.
Regarding the cancellation, DEFILED guitarist Yusuke comments: “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. Metal heads listen to metal music for the energy and to have fun; and also indulge in various forms of black humor, making it a kind of cathartic activity, helping them to momentarily forget about daily life’s pressure and issues. Most metal heads 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.”
