Demonstration against the performance of the band Slaughter to Prevail. The band’s vocalist, Alex Terrible, has sparked debate over his pro-Russian statements. He has also been accused of fascism and homophobia. Photo: Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva
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Russian deathcore band Slaughter to Prevail’s performance at the Tuska Festival in Helsinki on Saturday drew protests both inside and outside the festival grounds over allegations of support for Russian state propaganda.
Demonstrators gathered opposite the entrance to the metal music event, holding signs questioning whether the festival should host what they called “Russian patriots.” Some signs accused the band of aligning with Russian state interests.
Organisers of the protest said frontman Aleksandr Shikolai, also known as Alex Terrible, has shown support for Russia through symbolic gestures and affiliations. They pointed to past performances under the Russian flag and collaborations with patriotic brands such as Svoja Kultura.
“It’s absurd that while Russia is building military bases on Finland’s border, this band is playing in Helsinki,” said Anastasiia Diudina, one of the protest organisers. She claimed that although Shikolai has denied supporting the war in English-language media, his posts on Russian-language platforms suggest otherwise.
Inside the venue, some attendees displayed Ukrainian flags, wore yellow and blue clothing, and held up banners criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin. A group of spectators raised middle fingers throughout the band’s set.
Tuska Festival promoter Jouni Markkanen said such expressions are allowed, provided they do not interrupt the performance. “Waving flags and banners is part of festival culture. This isn’t the first time someone has given the middle finger to a band,” he said.
Markkanen noted that Russian flags were banned from this year’s event and that no such displays occurred during the performance. “The artist had no intention to wave a flag or provoke,” he said.
Police were called to manage individuals who disrupted the protest outside the venue.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
