Behemoth's Nergal Comments on Dismissal of Rape/Kidnapping Charges Against Decapitated | Page 3 | Revolver

Behemoth's Nergal Comments on Dismissal of Rape/Kidnapping Charges Against Decapitated

Polish musician welcomes band home, urges them to "strike back soon"
Nergal 2017 Getty, Ethan Miller/Getty Images
photograph by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Last September, the four members of Polish death-metal band Decapitated were arrested and charged with rape and kidnapping in connection with an alleged sexual assault on the group's tour bus, following their show at Spokane, Washington, venue the Pin. Last week, state prosecutors moved to drop all charges against the band members — who were slated to stand trial for the incident later this month — citing "the well-being of the victim" and "the interest of justice" as their reasons for doing so. This is not the same as an acquittal; because the charges were dismissed "without prejudice," the band could still be prosecuted in the future.

Now, another noteworthy metal musician, Behemoth main man Nergal, has shared a statement voicing his opinion on the story, and more notably, calling on the band to "strike back" against the anonymous accuser, whose allegations he considers defamation. He cited a 2004 incident involving the Norwegian metal band Satyricon (who — like Decapitated — were detained on rape charges that were later dismissed) in his defense of the band.

"4 months ago, Decapitated were accused of kidnap and gang rape — subsequently they were put in a County prison and later into a local jail ... and the shit hit the fan!" the statement begins.

"I recall the similar case of my friends from Satyricon/Keep of Kalessin, who spent 2 months in a Canadian prison because someone accused them of rape. It took 2 months of legal bureaucracy and the help of the Norwegian government to get them out. The accuser finally recanted the allegations, claiming it was a mistake. They never received compensation for financial losses or emotional trauma, just a brief apology and a document to prove their innocence (which they must always carry around with them).

"Somehow, from the very beginning my intuition told me my friends from Decapitated would be just fine. Now, I'm not claiming to be a prophet but I'm an optimist and a good judge of character, I know these guys and I know they couldn't/wouldn't hurt a fly. They are now released and have had charges dropped (without prejudice). It's obviously a big relief to their families and friends, including myself.

"So ... what's next for their career after such severe defamation? What about their good name? What about their families? I hope they get their justice and strike back soon!!! And Justice For All? Well ... not quite. But getting innocent people back home ... HELL YES!"

"Last thing, friends — stay rational and reasonable and think carefully before you speak ... and caste a stone at innocent people. Welcome home brothers," Nergal's statement concludes.