GAFFA-Pris-vindere taget af festivalplakat efter fascisme-beskyldninger

Det danske metalband Afsky er blevet cancelled af spillestedet Dachstock i schweiziske Bern til festivalen “2nd International Antifascist Black Metal Gathering” efter beskyldninger imod bandets påståede politiske ståsted

Black metal-scenen kæmper tit med et ry for at have fascistoide, fremmedhadske og/eller nynazistiske træk. Og nu åbenbart også zionisme.  Netop derfor prøver nogle bands inden for genren at gøre en forskel og kæmpe mod disse fordomme.

Taget af plakaten af Verein Dachstock
For eksempel ville GAFFA-Pris-vinderne Afsky (der vandt GAFFA-Prisen Årets Danske Metal/Hardrock-udgivelse 2024 for albummet Om hundrede år) derfor spille på den schweiziske festival “2nd International Antifascist Black Metal Gathering” på spillestedet Dachstock i Bern den 21. september i år. Men nu er bandets optræden blevet annulleret af “Verein Dachstock”, der er værter for begivenheden, efter kritik på sociale medier af blandt andet, at gruppen spillede i Israel sidste år, i øvrigt i dagene omkring Hamas' terrorangreb på Israel 7. oktober, hvilket forsinkede bandets rejse ud af landet. Bandets kreative hovedkraft Ole Luk har også fået kritik for i sin rolle som medarrangør af festivalen Pest Fest i Pumpehuset i 2022 at have booket det kontroversielle norske black metal-band Skaur.

Forud for aflysningen af Afsky bad Verein Dachstock Ole Luk (forsanger, guitarist, sangskriver og mastermind bag Afsky) om at tage stilling til bandets optræden i Israel sidste år, og om bandet havde nogle former for fascistoide, fremmedhadske, zionistiske eller nynazistiske træk. Dette kan fra en dansk vinkel kun undre, da både bandets tekster og Ole Luk aldrig har været i nærheden af disse tendenser.

Alt i alt lader det til, at Verein Dachstock ikke kiggede på kendsgerningerne og de tilgængelige fakta og aflyste Afskys optræden på baggrund af nogle få menneskers beskyldninger i mails og på sociale medier, beskyldninger, der vel at mærke ikke har noget på sig. I statementet og korrespondancen skinner Ole Luks frustration tydeligt igennem, og han kalder spillestedets ledelse for “Denkfaul” ("For doven til at tænke", red.). 

Ubesvaret GAFFA-forespørgsel

GAFFA har kontaktet Verein Dachstock og bedt om en stillingtagen og har sendt følgende spørgsmål til spillestedet:

“1. Hvorfor aflyste I bandet Afsky?

2. Bandet Afsky er svært at opfatte som hverken fascistisk, zionistisk, fremmedhadsk eller noget lignende. Hvorfor må bandet ikke optræde for jer til det antifascistiske arrangement?

3. Er det anti-fascistisk at aflyse et band, bare fordi nogle få "larmer" på sociale medier? - særligt når der samtidig ikke er nogen beviser, der bakker beskyldningerne op?

4. Gjorde I det måske lidt "for nemt" for jer selv ved at aflyse Afsky efter kritikken i stedet for at gå i dialog med kritikerne?”

Verein Dachstock svarede: 

“Beslutningen om at aflyse Afskys optræden ved "2nd International Antifascist Black Metal Gathering" blev truffet af Dachstock-foreningen som et kollektiv og var ikke let.

Vores kollektiv er organiseret på et demokratisk grundlag. Derfor kan vi umuligt besvare dine spørgsmål inden for 24 timer. For at gøre dette skal vi først vente på de næste møder og møder, som først finder sted efter offentliggørelsen af ​​din planlagte artikel.”

Skulle Verein Dachstock komme med en mere udførlig kommentar, ajourføres GAFFA-artiklen naturligvis. 

Nedenfor kan du læse både Ole Luks/Afskys Facebookopslag omkring aflysningen samt hele Ole Luks lange statement omkring Verein Dachstocks spørgsmål. Al tekst er på engelsk.

Afskys/Ole Luks Facebookopslag

“Afsky will not be playing at the Antifascist Black metal gathering this year after all! ��

Why? Not because we don’t want to, but because the venue cancelled us. Why? Bottom line, because they chose to let rumours against me/Afsky weigh more heavily than to think for themselves. They basically said it was because they couldn’t handle all the shit talkers in the extreme left scene, who wants Afsky cancelled by any means, and therefore we cannot play after all. Afsky doesn’t fit in! So in the end they took the easy way out, and bowed down for all the haters and cancelled Afsky, even though I said im willing to talk to anyone who don’t understand and also gave them a long honest answer when they asked for it. I have nothing to hide. But in this extreme leftist world in the metal scene, there’s apparently no place for any differences or someone whos willing for an open discussion when we question each other. That’s super weak, and in my eyes, all the opposite of what the scene claim to stand for. This is a classical example of cancel culture based on rumours and fear. If you are aggressive enough you get your will, even though you are not right, but in the end, people will bow down either of fear of being cancelled themselves or simply of exhaustion.

When people started questioning Afskys participation at the festival, the venue asked me for the statement and to answer some questions, which they btw. could easily have answered themselves, if they had just done a little research. Anyway, I took my time and wrote a statement and send to them. If anyone cares to read, I can send it in a PM, it’s quite long and more than I can post here. But nothing in there is secret.
This was btw the venue that asked for the statement, NOT the promotor, that’s important for me to say, since I consider him a friend. We all do in the band. We have our differences like any other humans, but we can speak open about it and learn from each other. Just like it should be. It pays to have an open mind. If you can’t speak about differences you end up in a vacuum, where no new or different thoughts will have any place. That often end in totalistic views and extremism the way I see it. Either you agree 120% or you are my enemy. WTF is that sh#t? I thought places like this venue were about being open and welcoming. I guess I was wrong.

That being said, I’m quite disappointed that the venue chose to cancel Afsky, thought it didn’t come as a surprise to be honest when the shittalk started. I/we were invited by our friend, and I feel bad for him, bc he also ended in a shitstorm because of this. Because of people who thing they have the patent for what this scene is and stands for. I hope you feel victorious in your echo chamber folks now we got cancelled! Good job! Very brave, the world is a safe place again now! And sorry Luca we can’t come and play at your event. Still glad for the invitation though, and we will still gladly play at any event you host!

What’s sad is, that with this cancellation of Afsky, the venue also indirect agrees with the people, who see me as a horrible person, an ignorant, a zionist, a fascist welcomer, a nazi, even a nazizionist (whatever that means) and what else not I have been called. I know what I stand for, and more important I know that most of you out there do so too! Therefore the hate doesn’t mean anything to me. You are snowflakes in my sunshine! But we won’t be playing at the Antifascist Black Metal gathering this year.

Peace and love, Ole”

Ole Luks statement, der besvarer Verein Dachstocks spørgsmål 

“Statement

⁃                              what is your position to antifascism?

Short answer is, I’m against fascism, and therefore anti-fascism would pr definition be something that I support. That would be common sense as these two words are opposites.

Long answer: like every other healthy thinking human being, I am against any suppression and/or the limitation of anyone’s freedom, freedom of speech, their behavior and actions which they would practice, as long as they doesn’t harm other people. That goes for EVERY human, no matter where you might come from, man or woman, where you live, what skin color you have or what religion you practice, or what sexuality you have or practice. Even though I despise all forms of religion because it in my eyes, takes away the basis for a free will and right to think freely, and that again I see as a limitation of peoples lives, actions or way of thinking.

Every human being should have the opportunities and possibilities to live a free life and do whatever they want, as long as they don’t hurt any other human, are cruel to animals or damage nature. That is my main rule to live by in life.

So what is fascism or anti-fascism to me. To me fascism it is a group behavior where they (the group) and its cause is more important, than any single person that might cross their way. It’s an ideology and thereby a ruling system, where the followers of that believe, are willing to use any means to suppress the opponent or others who might get in their way. They fight as a unity for a higher cause, and are willing to use violence if necessary. It’s also the silencing of the other part that you do not agree with political. Therefore you might also see the other group as a danger or threat to your own cause, and therefore it’s important to shut the other one down, before they shut you down. That would be how I see it and what I would call fascism. When all your opponents are silenced (or dead) you can start ruling in your totalistic state, where everyone is liked to believe in the same thing. Always. The cause is higher than any individual.

So what is my position to antifascism? With all that said, I’m of course against any kind of fascism or behavior that might look like it. No ones like others to tell them what to do. I know I don’t.. That goes against my right to a free mind and free actions. (again, this only counts, as long as I don’t cross anyone else’s line. This is very important)

I believe in the power of free speech and also believe that we can actually learn something from people we disagree with. So I could never support a world or regime that is fascist, wants to silence me, or where other people shall tell me what to do, when I mind my own business and don’t tread on others.

As I stated first, I’m against any form of increasing anyone’s right to free speech and behavior, and therefore I can only be against fascism.

Can you be against fascism without labelling yourself as a direct anti-fascist? Of course you can.. like every other healthy thinking human being, it’s the most “normal” not to be a fascist. I know the word “normal” can be interpretated, but I guess you get what I mean. Like I’m also against any kind of religion, but don’t need to label my self as into-religious for that reason.

So what do I believe in? I believe in the importance of a free speech and a free mind, so that every human should be able to think for themselves and make up their own judgement on most issues. Like I mentioned before, I think it’s also (not only) important to meet and talk with people, with whom you disagree. That’s how we push boundaries and learn and grow as humans. A living fear in many humans, is the feeling of being on your own with no group. The fear of that scenario may infect the way of your behavior or your judgement in general.

Which reminds me of one of my favorite German words: “Denkfaul”. Its such a nice word that we don’t have in Danish. Just taking the opinion of other people because of your own laziness.

It’s also extremely dangerous in my opinion. But I see it a lot these days.

Fascism in my eyes is very often to be “Denkfaul”. Just following the words of whoever is the leader, or the strongest person in a group that people fear. Not questioning what is actually right or wrong. Maybe some do so because it’s easy and comfortable to be like anyone else, or maybe because of fear, because the oppressor is willing to use violence against you if you disagree. Be like the group or don’t be at all. Either you are with us or you are against us. Reminds a bit of religion.

As a sidenote, I think no-one, who has READ my comments on social media, nor met me, would be in doubt of what I stand for. But I know it’s easy for others to attack if you only read comments online. Be quick (with a response, even if the accusation is nonsense) or be dead.

I mostly like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I like to make my own impression of other people and judge then by their actions, and not by the word of others. Unless you have killed, raped or beaten up someone.. then I don’t need to find out myself.

This is btw. not a big speech to prove to anyone how good I am. I hereby just encourage people who are in doubt, to make up their mind on a fair basis. I have always played with open cards in any situation, also when people have asked to the fact, why I played in Israel with Afsky and why I did invite Skaur to play at Pest Fest. On that issue btw.: I would not have invited them (Skaur) in the first place if I had known what label they were on. (Darker Than Black records) But since I don’t bow down for any threats from no one, it was more important to me to keep them on the poster, than bowing down to threats by those who promised to destroy my band if I didn’t follow their demands. Which could somehow also be seen as fascism, when people are willing to use verbal violence and threads to shut my mouth because they don’t like what I do. I know now that some call them (Skaur) a naziband, but I couldn’t find anything in their lyrics that would prove that. I mean they sure like Norway a lot, but that doesn’t make anyone a national socialist. I also love a lot of things in Denmark, but that doesn’t mean that I hate on other country’s or people. Is their label super sketchy.. yes, I would not have picked that one myself. But truth told, when I was new in the scene, I almost wrote the them too for a record deal for Afsky. Ignorant? No, I just wasn’t born with all the information I get while I live my life. To some in the scene this is of great matter, while to a lot they couldn’t care less. It’s not my opinion, just facts. You learn as you grow. Would I ever consider them today… I guess the point that I was asked for a statement on my stands to play a show says it all. Still in doubt. Fuck no I would not choose to work with that man.

Now you know. I’m not as radical as many out there. That doesn’t mean I’m a fascist on the other hand. And I do NOT support national socialism in music or in general, if anyone should eventually get that from what I say.

If violence, racism and hate is the path you have chosen, you are a victim of sad childhood without love or safety in most cases. I can only pity those people who get their strength from hate and racism.

But if your own views and actions are pretty radical yourself, I can understand why Afsky in some people eyes are not militant or extreme enough and probably also why some question what I stand for. Or maybe get mixed signals.

So why did I invite them (Skaur) in the first place. Well, simply because I think that their songs are really great written and I love the melodies! Due to that fact I was blinded by their music. I didn’t even think of checking anything myself. Also because how I see it, most people ARE anti-fascists and not hateful. The benefit of the doubt. I just knew I wanted to see them live.

I can’t change that now since they have played already, but I will probably hear for this for many years to come still. If anyone should be in doubt of what to think of me or if it’s safe or ok to listen to Afsky, I always encourage anyone who raises questions on what I stand for, to read my posts and messages and make up their mind for themselves.

On the questions raised regarding our show I Israel, and if I would play there again, the answer is yes. Israel is a hyper religious country and the genre I play is black metal that notoriously is known for being against any kind of religion. So I don’t see why there should be a big trust issue in my motives by playing there. Its definitely NOT because of all the religion in the country. The common metal fan in Israel is not very different from the people back home. They also believe in a better world and they were definitely not supporters of any religion nor war or settlement. Even though this may come as a big surprise to some people in these days. I think the accusations are way of the target, and most people should be able to see that themselves, if not to be called Denkfaul!

But to sum it up once and for all… I/Afsky is against fascism, also any other form of suppression of peoples right and freedom. I believe in a free world and do not support war or violence. I have written this several times as comments, when some people needed to hear this direct! When we played in Poland I made the sticker with the text “Equality for all”. which should say it all.

All means all!

Not just “some”. You folks are very aware in general I know, and therefore you should also know that this is still quite controversial in the black metal scene (I don’t mean the crossover punk or crust-scene, but the original black metal burning churches scene), and should also be able to read from the comments that I got back then, that I lost a lot of followers on that post and sticker because they thought that was a soft statement. I was obviously very aware, that this would probably happen when I released it, and that was part of my strategy to get rid of a lot of the elitist assholes, who thinks that black metal is an exclusive club where gatekeeping of peaceful people, LGBTQ+, color or religion is necessary. So did any of these people come to our shows in Poland. Nope, only the friendly and welcoming people.

⁃                              Dachstock publically stands in solidarity with Palestine and other Targets of ongoing Genocide. Since the allegations of being Zionists and no Antifascists don't align with what we represent we would like you to include these things in your Statement. Are you aware about the place you are going to play at and can you comment on it?

First of all I can’t really comprehend how anyone would get the idea that I/Afsky would be a Zionist? What do they even mean by these accusations? It only raises a lot of questions for me I guess. Especially since I have never talked about taking side at any point. I will always stand with those who do not see war and killing as a solution. But back to all the questions in my head:

-   Are you a Zionist if you travel to Israel and play for all the non-religious people?

-   Would it have made any impact to anyone (Palestine or Israel) if we had made a statement NOT to play there and had stayed home? Remember we played for metalheads like you and I. The orthodox jews would never ever set foot in these places. To them, what I believe in, would I be in direct conflict with their own believes.

-   Are you automatically supporting the Israeli government if you travel to Israel and play for the metal and underground?

-   Do those, who would eventually accuse me of being a Zionist know what the term covers?

And sorry if someone get offended by the last question. But to be honest, I looked up the word to be 100% sure so I don’t run with half a truth.
This is what the internet told me: (Danish translation from Wikipedia)

”The basis for Zionism was created with Theodor Herzl's book Der Judenstaat (Danish: Jewish State), the first edition of which was published in 1896. Herzl believed that the only solution to the increasing restrictions against Jews, the many pogroms and the growing anti-Semitism was for the Jews to create a independent Jewish state.”

When I read this as it stands here, I can actually not see a problem with that. I guess its not a big surprise to anyone that the jews throughout history has been harassed in most places around the world. To avoid this, the wish (as I read it) was to have a place to call their own where they would not be harassed by others. I see nothing wrong with that, unless you want the jews to be harassed and live in fear? That on the other hand doesn’t mean, that I justify any illegal settlements or harassment of the Palestinians. That would be a double standard.

Its important for any person to have a place to feel safe and a place you can call home. Just like we all want for the Palestinians right now. I wish that for every person.
I will be very very carefull to use the word Zionist on myself, because I suddenly got the feeling that the origin of the meaning of the word is lost in these days. The word Zionist has become a legit insulting word toward Jews or supporters of Israel, (Which I’m still NOT, I just state facts here) when the word actually means the support of a place for the jews to call home. Again I see nothing wrong with that tbh.

Since we played there, there has been a lot of shit on my walls on social media. People question my actions when I say “stay safe” to the promotor or post pictures from our vacation (that ended very quick)

Was it btw wrong of me (bc I know that this is, what some refer to when they say I support Israel or the jews) to write to the promotor in a comment that I hope he and his friends are safe? Or did that automatically mean that I wish that the Palestinians are NOT safe?

I know that lot of people reacted to my post the day after the terror attack Oct. 7th., when we were stuck in Israel ourselves and couldn’t get out. Sadly many missed my point in the post.

It’s still there on Instagram for anyone to see if you want to make up your mind yourself.

I don’t know how people could misunderstand my post that much, that they read from it that I/Afsky support Israel (and thereby apperantly also Zionism), when all I said was, and let me cut it out very simple here:

“I had a bitter taste in my mouth, seeing that people were very happy and excited about the terror attack the October 7th, bc. it only sounded to me like: “Israel had it coming” and called what Hamas did freedom fight!”

 That was basically it! My friends and people from the left scene, metalhead and punks were cheering online and in the streets along with groups like Hitz-but-tahir who was screaming death over the jews. Who’s nr. 1  enemy is funny enough the same as the nazis was/is. Cheering on Hamas and their “freedom fight” while people was dying only 20km away from where we were in Israel. This was an extreme double standard for me to witness, and that was why I made the post and spoke out load!

The terror attack oct. 7th was undoubly an extremely clever and intelligent move from Hamas. They knew they would loose, but they also knew that Israel would not hold again, but that the counter attack they would provide, would turn the world against Israel once and for all. And it did. I thought anyone could see that Palestine would be the real loser after this move by Hamas, but still people were cheering. Like pissing in your pants in winter to get a little warmth and then freeze to death when the cold hits double after. They all fell for it.. while Palestine is burning and children are dying. It’s just heartbreaking. There was no winners this day.. only a bitter taste of revenge. I spotted that, and I commented on it! But people were so blinded by the wish for revenge on Israel, that they were not able to see what would come after.

I have so many questions in my head right now to be honest. I will not go out and say, hey look at me how good and innocent I am.. this statement here is NOT an excuse or me who tries to convince anyone that I’m not, whatever I get accused for. Im my eyes I still have done nothing wrong. I encourage all to judge my and anyone else by themselves. Not by the word of your friend or anyone else.

I have stated many times that I do only support peace. I do also not support any religion for the same reason, bc. religion is also suppressive.

I support the right of free religion though, if people want to, what in my eyes looks like wasting their lives, but as long as you don’t harm other with it, do whatever you want! It’s your time, not mine.

Also, if anyone needs to see this black on white, YES I support the freedom and liberation of Palestine. Of course I do. My heart especially bleeds for all the kids who are denied the opportunity to grow up in a world without fear bc of religion and the conflict of the adults. It’s so sad to witness, and also why I don’t even bothered answering the question like: oh so you played in Israel, so you think it ok to kill babies? Some people are out of my reach and I don’t waste my time trying to get to them. I’m will gladly have a grown up discussion with others, but when the conversation turns into rather thoughtless accusations, I don’t see why I own these people an answer. 

⁃                              These allegations we received probably have been known to you. why didn't you comment on it earlier?

I have done nothing but commenting on all the stuff people have written to be fair. Where does the impression come from that I have not done so If I may ask?

I presume that you have read all on my page too before you contacted me? Or haven’t you? Anyway, if people expect me to answer the same question again and again because they are to laze to read the whole thread and make up their mind themselves, I can’t help them and I don’t see it as my job to convince those who have already made up their minds because their friends have. I’m in this business to make music because that is what I like to spend my time and life on. Not to spread hatred. Have you ever read some of my lyrics in my music? I don’t have any secret agenda hidden beneath the surface. It should be quite obvious if you follow my work and listen to the things I say openly.

But I’m also not here to answer questions from keyboard warriors, when they don’t even take the time to put themselves into the matter before they comment or ask for answers. Maybe that could be the reason why some people still feel entitled to have me answering their personal gall.

I cant help thinking, that had I picked any other genre in music, this would probably also not have been a problem at all I guess. Not because of me, but because of the people who want to protect what they love (which is totally fine, I do so myself), but forget to see the world with open eyes, but are more eager to point fingers at their friends and question every action others make.

Sadly I get a bit of the same vibe now, and don’t take this wrong, I don’t mean to offend anyone. That’s very important. But I really on the other hand mean what I just said. Had I played any other genre, I would not see it as my duty to defend myself, again and again against vague accusations from people who don’t seem to follow own thoughts, but only copy them from others in the group, while they think they are saving the world. This might also sounds judgmental, but this is what I experience time after time.

Not doing any proper research yourself before you jump on the accusations as if they where the truth, when you ask me the questions you ask me. You asked for a statement, with I took the time to write now, but how much reading did you people do yourselves before you wrote me? I’m just curious. All the questions I have answered now, had all the answers available on my page and in my comments the whole time. So again, this unfortunately gives me the impression that you don’t even follow up or check anything yourselves. Like I just said a couple of times now, this wouldn’t have been a problem if I had played any other genre than black metal. I don’t deny that there are some real problematic people and bands out there spreading hate with their music, but again, have you ever read some of my lyrics?

Do to the fact, that even was asked to do this (statement), when I was invited to play a festival by a personal friend, who know me pretty well I feel, is sad. His words should have been enough to vouch for me.

If you still want me to come, we are up it as we have been all along. What I don’t want, is a platform for us to be thrown under the bus. Not sure what the solution on that would be. I kinda’ feel, damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Afsky, to fascist for some, not fascist enough for other. I guess you can’t win em’all.

The word that is still in my head right now is: “Denkfaul” …sadly.

Peace and love

Ole, Afsky”