Swedish black metal veterans Marduk has recently found themselves amid controversy as they have been forced to replace their bassist due to his drunken behavior and an offensive Nazi gesture made on stage.
The incident has sparked a heated debate within the metal community, highlighting the importance of responsible conduct and the consequences of promoting hateful ideologies.
During a live performance at the Incineration Fest, Marduk's bassist Joel Lindholm displayed disturbing behavior that quickly drew attention from both fans and fellow musicians.
Witnesses reported that the bassist appeared visibly intoxicated throughout the show, leading to decreased performance quality.
However, the situation escalated when, during one of the songs, he made a Nazi salute, a gesture associated with white supremacy and hatred.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Marduk took prompt action to address the issue and dissociate themselves from the bassist's actions. The band expressed their deep regret in an official statement released on their social media channels.
It condemned the bassist's behavior. "Following a variety of intolerable stage antics by a very drunk Joel at Incineration Fest last week, he has vacated his position in the band. Our old friend and bass player Devo has agreed to step in on a temporary basis, so this is unlikely to affect any of upcoming shows."