SINGAPOREAN black metal band Devouror’s Easter Sunday concert in Kuala Lumpur has been cancelled.

The show, titled “KL for Satan”, had been scheduled to be held at the Angkasa Event Space in Bandar Tasik Permaisuri.

“In light of what has already been made public, we are devastated that Devouror’s Kuala Lumpur debut show has to submit to its fate of cancellation,” said organiser Goatlordth Records in a Facebook post tonight.

“As the organiser, we are frustrated that almost a year of effort has been suppressed to nothing. We intend no harm… to the righteous authority.

“The cancellation of this event is not only a huge setback to us, the organiser, in financial terms, but it has also caused many fans of extreme music to be denied their interest.”

Earlier today, the Malaysian Council of Churches (CCM) called on Putrajaya to cancel the show, saying Devouror’s songs have anti-Christian and pro-Satanic themes.

CCM general secretary Reverend Dr Hermen Shastri said allowing the concert to proceed on Easter, one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar, would be an affront to followers of the faith.

Defending the metal genre, Goatlordth Records said “Satan-worshipping music” is but a “connotation of the arts”.

“Many other people like their horror movies gory, cheesy and bad. Heavy metal, or extreme music, to put it more appropriately, is equally meant to be expressive and provocative.”

It added that to label fans of the genre as “a bunch of cults”, “religion-hating pricks” or “dirty liberals” is unfair.

“Many extreme music fans are also pillars of society. Many are competent professionals, and are the best in their fields. Many are also devoted followers of their religions, and many are massively respected as individuals.

“Therefore, to belittle fans of extreme music with shameful judgment is a reflection of your own personal values.”

The Kuala Lumpur-based company said the genre brings together fans across the globe, and that in European countries, metal festivals are held with the authorities’ full consent.

“But we, the fans here, are aware that we are probably asking too much to be allowed to have open-air extreme music festivals.” – April 15, 2019.