According to Poland’s Metro newspaper, the ‘All-Polish Committee for Defence against Sects’ has put together a list of artists supposed to “promote satanism” or encourage murder or animal sacrifice. “The index will not only contain metal bands, but also rock artists”, says the organisation’s spokesman Ryszard Nowak. He explains that the organisation is aiming to help the authorities to single out artists with a “dangerous message”.

Banned from performing?
The document will remain confidential to the public – but will be distributed to Polish officials in July. According to Metro it is likely that it will result in artists getting banned from performing in Poland. The document will also be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration and the Minister of Education. A spokesman from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration consider the document a valuble instrument in the of work gathering significant information on sects.

Attack on rock music
Hundreds of bands have been evaluated, but it is still unknown which groups are figuring on the list. The word is that it contains Polish groups such as Behemoth and Kat as well as the American group Marilyn Manson.

The reactions on various musical web forums have been strong: "This is just an attack on rock music. I doubt very much that they'll ban all the rappers who promote murder/violence etc. Satanism is no more dangerous than any other religion, infact maybe even less so when you consider the fact no wars come of it”, writes the signature Nigelblackwilly on the forum Blabbermouth.net.

Judged by appearance
The frontman of Behemoth is shocked by the news. He is quoted as saying: “I am surprised that we are being judged by our appearance and that no one even took the time to contact us and ask us what our music is all about. Other than that, come on — there are enough serious matters to be dealt with in Poland!”