Adam Darski, aka Nergal the frontman of Polish death metal band Behemoth has released a statement defending himself against accusations of sympathizing with Neo-Nazis. Nergal was spotted taking pictures with Rob “Rob Darken” Fudali of Graveland, that were posted on Graveland’s social media; Darken has attracted controversy for stating that he has held “extreme right-wing, National Socialist convictions,” according to the PRP.
One of the pictures with Darken shows the artist wearing a shirt of BOLZER, another group of having ties with Neo-Nazis. Their frontman KzR (Okoi Therry Jones), noticeably sports tattoo of a swastika on his left hand. Jones denies being a part of any Neo-Nazi group, and has stated that his use of the swastika, which has existed in various East Asian cultures in the past(albeit in a different form, which is not flipped at an angle), was done to reclaim the symbol.
In response to these accusations, Negal made a long social media post on his Facebook, condemning the media and denying any support for Neo-Nazis, and denouncing racism. He also stated that this story has gained traction from the music press in order to “create a controversial story in order to get clicks by whatever means they can.” This post goes on to explicitly name METAL SUCKS, who originally broke this story.
“First I will say this – I am my own person and am against any form of racism, fascism, discrimination or hate. As many of you know, I say a lot of crazy stuff, but I am prejudice against no human-being,” he explained in the post.” I’m a controversial character, I’ll admit it…it’s part of me and sometimes I like to stir things up on purpose. When will I learn? Likely never. But, the simple fact is, I am an open-minded, loving, loyal person. I think the people that I meet in my daily life and musical travels as well as those that follow me on social media know this.”
Regarding the pictures, the artist stated that he does not condone Darken’s views, stating that he does not know them enough to make a judgement. Nergal also linked a post to Jones regarding the BOLZER accusations, stating that the artist has made his own denials in the past.
“Rob Darken – I took some photos recently backstage in Poland after a Behemoth show with Rob from Graveland, a buddy and fellow Pole. I have known Rob for many years since 1992 and we hang out sometimes in Wroclaw. He did some recordings on our first and second demo tapes,” Darken elaborated further. ” He also has a photo published in my book ‘Confessions Of A Heretic’. Rob and I share a love of black metal and its rich history. But aside from that, I don’t condone Rob’s personal ideals and agenda because I don’t know them. I can’t take responsibility for every person I take a photo with.”
The band has been involved in several controversies in the past, including a deportation from Russia back in 2014. Despite this the band finished releasing an album earlier this year.
Check out the full statements below:
“From Nergal:
My management team today received this email below from Ben Umanov and Matt Rosenberg @ Metal Sucks.
What we have here is a media outlet trying to create a controversial story in order to get clicks by whatever means they can. In this case they are trying to interpret comments, posts, photos and even t-shirts to paint me as something I’m not. For profit. They wanted me to give them a quote for their story to tell my side of things. But, I don’t feel compelled to help them with their news business. Instead, I will address the issues that they imply with my own statement in my own words direct to those who care to read it.
First I will say this – I am my own person and am against any form of racism, fascism, discrimination or hate. As many of you know, I say a lot of crazy stuff, but I am prejudice against no human-being. I’m a controversial character, I’ll admit it…it’s part of me and sometimes I like to stir things up on purpose. When will I learn? Likely never. But, the simple fact is, I am an open-minded, loving, loyal person. I think the people that I meet in my daily life and musical travels as well as those that follow me on social media know this.
Rob Darken – I took some photos recently backstage in Poland after a Behemoth show with Rob from Graveland, a buddy and fellow Pole. I have known Rob for many years since 1992 and we hang out sometimes in Wroclaw. He did some recordings on our first and second demo tapes.
He also has a photo published in my book “Confessions Of A Heretic”. Rob and I share a love of black metal and its rich history. But aside from that, I don’t condone Rob’s personal ideals and agenda because I don’t know them. I can’t take responsibility for every person I take a photo with.
Bolzer – We’re friends and we’ve toured several times. I don’t have to say much more myself about Okoi and Bolzer other than what Okoi says himself here: https://www.facebook.com/erosatarms/posts/it-is-disgusting-totally-infuriating-and-frankly-embarassing-the-lengths-some-pe/1637456716287584/.
Eugenics – I have little knowledge and no interest in the subject. I made a comment about my countrymen not being suited to play football. It’s true, the post was removed, but I reposted moments later (still there) with an image more appropriate to the text as the previous was misconstrued. Story of my life!”
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