<br><br>**The Power of Istanbul A Controversy Over 'Satanic' Rock Bands**<br><br>In a provocative move that has sparked debate over freedom of expression, two foreign rock bands - Slaughter to Prevail and Behemoth - have been banned from performing in Istanbul, Turkey. The decision was made after Islamist commentators accused the bands of satanism. This blog post will delve into the controversy surrounding these metal bands and explore the implications of this ban on artistic freedom.<br><br>**The Background**<br><br>Slaughter to Prevail, a deathcore rock band formed in Russia but now based in the United States, and Behemoth, a Polish death metal group, were scheduled to perform at the Zorlu Center in Istanbul on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the Besiktas district governor's office justified the cancellation of the concerts by citing public reaction due to the bands' alleged incompatibility with our societal values.<br><br>**The Accusations**<br><br>The Yeni Akit newspaper, a publication close to Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), ran a story demanding the banning of the concerts under the headline the satanist children of the devil are arriving in Istanbul. The article claimed that the bands had been banned in Russia and Poland for spreading satanic propaganda and poisoning the spirit of young people. The paper accused the groups of promoting satanism through their lyrics and visuals representing the devil.<br><br>**The Reaction**<br><br>Slaughter to Prevail's lead singer, Alex Terrible, responded to the accusations on Instagram, stating that the claims were completely not true and that he believed in God. While acknowledging that the band could not defy the Turkish government's decision, Terrible expressed sadness at the situation.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br><br>The banning of these rock bands from performing in Istanbul serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by artists who dare to push boundaries. The baseless accusations of satanism are an affront to artistic freedom and a threat to the principles of tolerance, understanding, and respect for all forms of creative expression.<br><br>**Keywords** Rock bands, Satanism, Istanbul, Turkey, Freedom of Expression
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