Blastfest 2017 is facing some controversy. The Norwegian fest will take place next February in Bergen but some of the bands announced so far will not be performing after all. One of them is French black metal band Peste Noire, who have been removed off the bill by the organizers due to antifascist groups pressures. The Finns Horna have also dropped off the bill in solidarity with Peste Noire.

Official statement from the fest: "As Peste Noire already announced on their page, we have been forced to cancel their show at Blastfest. As much as we love the brilliant music of this band, and how much we have stated that we are a musical platform, and no politics are involved in our concept, the amount of political focus created due to this booking, is badly affecting our existence. Our partners have been pushed very hard, and we now reached the point where we had to decide to stand by our choice, and ultimately cancel the whole festival, or cancel Peste Noire. So, we will keep going, creating a great metalfest for all metalheads, unfortunately without Peste Noire."

This is Horna's statement: "After reading today's PN cancellation news Horna decided we won't be part of Blastfest either - simply because Famine & Peste Noire are good friends of ours, having stayed in our homes and shared many great times together. It is also time more bands should do something about the fascist 'antifa' bullying instead of looking the other way. PS. Before anyone assumes any political bullshit - we do not bow left nor right! We bow only before the Lord..."




Peste Noire have been accused of racism and National Socialism. Earlier this year, Napalm Death decided to pull out of Blastfest 2016 reportedly due to the booking of Peste Noire.

Source:	facebook.com
Event:	Blastfest 2017 [CANCELLED]