Norwegian black metal band GORGOROTH are being investigated in Poland for causing religious offense after a show that included dozens of sheep heads on stakes, a literal blood bath and a naked, crucified woman, newspaper Aftenposten reports.

The concert in Krakow was broadcast by state TV station TVP and the resulting scandal was the center of attention in Polish media, according to Aftenposten. The band are now being investigated for causing religious offense, which is punishable by up to two years in prison.

The police are also considering an investigation of cruelty to animals.

"On stage there was blood everywhere. About ten decapitated sheep heads and naked people, alive, on large crosses," TVP director Andrzej Jeziorek told newspaper VG. "Everyone was painted with 100 liters of sheep blood. Also there were Satanist symbols everywhere. One of the hanging female models fainted and an ambulance had to be called,".

Jeziorek said that the TVP staff were shocked and reported the show to police.

"This kind of thing should happen on state TV and especially not in Krakow, which is the Pope's city," Jeziorek said. Jeziorek wanted to halt the concert but feared a riot from enthusiastic, bloodied fans who had paid for tickets.

The band were recording a concert DVD and had promised fans a very special show in Poland, and had rigged the stage behind curtains to keep the content secret.

Recent troubles with sects and Satanist groups have made the issue especially sensitive in Poland.

Here are links to several other media reports on the incident:

NRK (Norwegian) http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_sogn_og_fjordane/3490664.html
Bergensavisen (Norwegian) http://www.ba.no/puls/musikk/article866521.ece
VG (Norwegian) http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=213083
Die Presse (German) http://www.diepresse.com/Artikel.aspx?channel=k&ressort=ku&id=403117

Band profile:

Gorgoroth