Phillip Matthew Kusabs of New Zealand's Vassafor has admitted to possession and sharing of child sex and abuse material before court, as first reported by New Zealand's news outlet Stuff.

According to the report, Kusabs shared several videos depicting the sexual abuse of children on an undisclosed online platform. Upon searching his phone, police are reported to have found large numbers of additional material.

According to the article, Kusabs admitted to the offense. He is due to be sentenced in May.

Police have asked court permission to destroy his phone.

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Canadian black metallers Blasphemy, with whom Kusabs played live, have issued the following statement:

"This hired stand-in never showed us signs of his unacceptable ways. Otherwise this would have been dealt with swiftly and violently as per usual in the Blasphemy circle.

There is a difference between evil and the ways of pathetic scum!"


Kusabs also played with Australians Temple Nightside, who issued this statement:

"The members of Temple Nightside were made aware of the actions of a now ex-band member earlier today.

We in no way support or condone his actions & behaviour, nor were we ever aware that this was something he was involved in. To be clear, the remaining members do not, and will never, support abuse in any form.

While we come to terms with this, the remaining members of Temple Nightside ask if could you respect our privacy at this time"


Kusabs also played bass for New Zelaland death metal band Qrixkuor, who issues this statement:

"We are obviously very much aware of the article making the rounds regarding one of Qrixkuor’s contributors, depicting offences that it should not need to be said that we would wholeheartedly condemn. We had no knowledge or warning of this and the news is as shocking to us as to anyone else, particularly as we have been in constant recent contact regarding a collaboration on a new Qrixkuor EP for which we completed the mastering only last week, and for which the appropriate forward action will ultimately be taken in due course. We ask for time and patience to process the actual cost of this - in the light of such allegations, the public image of death metal bands should be the last facet on anyone’s mind at this moment."


Vassafor's label Iron Bonehead Production also distanced themselves from the band by saying:

"With regards to current developments that involve a musician, until now, was formally featured on our roster. We clearly want to express ourselves by distancing from this individual and his actions of which we had no idea until this mornings news. From now on we will no longer support the individual or carry any releases/merchandise of the band."


We will update this news with additional statements as they are released.

Source:	stuff.co.nz
Band profile:	Vassafor