I told Markus, on our label Nuclear Blast (because they're on it), "I know you're making a shitload of money, but you're making fools of yourself." He's like "I know". He's like that.

Anathema - Band Accused Of Satanism, Concert In Tunisia Cancelled

As reported by Liverpool Echo, Liverpool-based Anathema who were about to play to more than 1,000 fans in Tunisia had the plug pulled on their concert when authorities believed rumours they were Satanists.

Anfield group Anathema were ready to perform a sold out gig in the capital Tunis when they were told they could not go ahead. They hoped to reschedule for a couple of nights later but the gig was cancelled a second time.

Guitar technician Darryl Anthony wrote in his blog: "Our promoter told us that somebody has informed the Tunisian interior ministry that Anathema are Satan worshippers who eat black cats and drink their blood. The ministry have requested song lyrics to peruse over the weekend in order to put their minds at rest."

Anathema formed in 1990 and have released a number of critically acclaimed albums, and although their roots are in dark doom-death metal, their sound has evolved over the years to a more melodic rock sound. Their lyrics, often focusing on love and loss, have never been a matter of controversy and they often play special gigs with accompaniment from friends in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

After the Tunisian show - due to take place in a deconsecrated cathedral - was cancelled last weekend, the band tried to make amends by playing a stripped-down acoustic set for 50 fans at their hotel.

Anthony added to his blog: "It's such a shame for all the Tunisian fans. We don't really know why this happened and who really was to blame - there's been a lot of talk and a lot of silence surrounding the whole affair."

The band plan to reschedule the gig in future.

Danny Cavanagh said: "If you read any of our lyrics, you'll see nothing could be further from the truth than what's been said. We don't even swear in our songs, a lot of lyrics are about healing, and light and are very positive. We're just normal lads - the last band you could accuse of Satanism. I think all it was a rival promoter using any means he could to get the show cancelled and using the magic words 'heavy metal' worked. But there's been a lot of misinformation. It could have been our promoter at that end didn't have the papers in order. This has been big news in Tunisia and a lot of people have been disappointed and we're hoping to go back in June to repay everbody's good faith."

Fans said that the Tunisian authorities should be "ashamed". Aziz Hmaidi said: "We really hope that Anathema will come back to Tunisia. This was a real shame for us, for our country's image, especially because it was the first visit of the band here."

Fonte original da notícia

Fonte: Metal Storm