BEHEMOTH reacts to Turkish concert cancelations:
“'this is another example of ideology being used to suppress artistic expression and restrict cultural freedom”
11-02-2026
Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH have commented on the cancelation of their scheduled performances in Turkey, calling the decision by Turkish authorities to scrap the shows an “example of ideology being used to suppress artistic expression and restrict cultural freedom”.
“To our fans in Istanbul and Ankara, we are deeply disappointed to confirm that our scheduled performances in Turkey have been cancelled. Despite exhausting every possible avenue throughout the day and engaging in extensive discussions, the decision from the local authorities remains final. There is simply nothing further we can do to overturn it.
“The cancellations come after pressure from religious groups who have characterized our art as satanic propaganda and deemed it unacceptable. This is another example of ideology being used to suppress artistic expression and restrict cultural freedom. BEHEMOTH has always stood for creative independence and the right of artists to express themselves without censorship. Music is not a threat, but silencing it should concern anyone who values freedom of expression.
“To those who planned to attend, who travelled, and who stood ready to share this night with us, we are truly sorry. We fought to make these shows happen and we share your frustration and disappointment. Turkey has some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the world and we hope the day will come when we can return to Istanbul and Ankara and perform for you without interference. Until then, thank you for your unwavering support.”
The Beşiktaş District Governor’s Office called off the concerts in Istanbul and Ankara, citing concerns that the events conflict with “societal values” after a wave of online backlash and accusations of satanism.
“The events were found to have caused public reaction due to their incompatibility with our societal values,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
Based on Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations, “all concerts, festivals, group and ticketed events, and similar activities within Zorlu PSM and Zorlu Center have been banned for two days,” the office said.
İstanbul governor Davut Gül supported the decision, quoting the post of the district governor’s office on social media that “no activity that corrupts society has ever been allowed in İstanbul, and none will be allowed in the future.”
According to Turkiye Today, the ruling handed down by the Beşiktaş District Governor’s Office canceled not only the BEHEMOTH shows, but “all concerts, festivals, and ticketed public events at Zorlu PSM and the wider Zorlu Center complex” for a two-day period.
A pro-government Islamist broadcaster recently singled out BEHEMOTH and SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, whose February 10 Istanbul concert was also canceled, claiming they promoted satanism and posed a threat to youth.
“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,” the broadcaster remarked. “These two groups are banned in Russia. We call on the authorities to act urgently and cancel these events that poison our children and youth,” he said.
Recently BEHEMOTH released a video for their track “Nomen Barbarvm”, a song from their latest album, “The Shit Ov God“. The apocalyptic video, directed was by Dariusz Szermanowiczr.
Watch “Nomen Barbarvm” below.
BEHEMOTH frontman Adam “Nergal” Darski comments, “‘I create as I speak.’ Isn’t that, in essence, Crowley‘s ‘Do what thou wilt’ — just cast in slightly different words? This idea became the lyrical leitmotif of ‘Nomen Barbarvm’, arguably one of the most melodic, yet also deeply groove-driven tracks BEHEMOTH have ever committed to tape. In just a moment, we’ll be putting it to the test live on our upcoming tour.”
He continues: “What you’re about to see is a music video we’re immensely proud of, created in collaboration with Group 13 [Grupa 13]. But you already know what that combination means — uncompromising quality and a message art vision that doesn’t compromise!”
Watch the previously released ‘Avgvr (The Dread Vvltvre)‘ , ‘Sowing Salt‘ , ‘Lvciferaeon‘, “The Shadow Elite” and ‘The Shit Ov God’ below.
“The Shit Ov God” came out in May 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. Production on the LP was helmed by the inimitable Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios (EMPEROR, ENSLAVED, KREATOR, ROTTING CHRIST et al.). Working closely with the band, Bogren‘s deft hand underscored the band’s natural sound while sacrificing none of the mayhem and ferocity which permeates the band’s essence. As is always the case with BEHEMOTH, the visuals were as carefully constructed as the sound. The band tapped longtime collaborator and partner in crime Bartek Rogalewicz (BLACK.LODGE.IS.NOW) as well as Dark Sigil Workshop to make the beautifully ominous and unique cover art.
Nergal, says of the title “We chose this provocative title deliberately, rejecting subtlety in favor of a direct and polarizing statement. It’s a defiant plunge into the depths, daring to seek the absolute even in the gutter.”
But make no mistake, despite its apparent insubtlety, the album title gets a touch of genius when seen in combination with the strikingly clever artwork, which depicts an upside-down version of the most common Christogram, “IHS”.
NERGAL commented:
“I’ve reached a point in Behemoth’s journey and my own creativity where words and statements mean less and less. The true essence of who we are and what we stand for lies in our music, our art, our visuals, our sounds, our performances, and the ways we connect with you. I deeply believe Behemoth represents transcendent, timeless art.
The number thirteen—so magical and significant. If this were to be our final album, I could say I die a proud man. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the most refined, purest representation of Behemoth. No filler, no excess—just the very best we have to offer, handed to you.
Hail Satan“
THE SHIT OV GOD – TRACKLIST
01 The Shadow Elite
02 Sowing Salt
03 The Shit Ov God
04 Lvciferaeon
05 To Drown The Svn In Wine
06 Nomen Barbarvm
07 O Venvs, Come!
08 Avgvr (The Dread Vvltvre)
AVAILABLE FORMATS:
– White With Gold/Black Marble LP Gatefold – Nuclear Blast Mail Order (600)
– White LP Gatefold – Indie (700)
– Clear LP Gatefold – Worldwide Retail (4500)
– Black LP Gatefold – Behemoth Webstore
– Black and Gold Splatter Deluxe LP Gatefold – Behemoth Webstore (2333)
^ Also available as part of a Deluxe Boxset via the Behemoth Webstore
– Picture Disc Deluxe LP (Glow In The Dark) – Behemoth Webstore
– Silver With White Splatter LP Gatefold – Mystic Productions (750)
– Black And Gold Split LP Gatefold – Mystic Productions (750)
– Clamshell (Mediabook & Pin Set) – Mystic Productions (1000)
– Jewelcase CD
– CD Mediabook
– Cassette – Mystic Productions (250)
– Digital Album
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