Taake

To make up for the two lost years, Hellfest returns for two weeks in 2022, and it would be easier to list which heavy bands *aren't* playing...

Finnish funeral/death doom vets Shape of Despair are playing some rare US shows this year, and they're also playing the stacked Czech festival Brutal Assault.

Talib Kweli stopped a show and started angrily addressing the staff and audience after an alleged incident between a security and his DJ. This came right after he cancelled another show at a venue that booked Taake. ”If you invite Nazis in your home you support Nazis,” he said.

"Whilst none of us blame venues for cancelling because they are afraid of violence, we do deplore the excuses presented by some of them. The desire to 'protect' their audience and staff, to create 'safe spaces' is not a need brought about by the bands involved, nor their fans. It is the masked thugs hiding behind the banner of Antifa and other organisations like them' - Taake

Kansas City club The Riot Room has canceled black metal band Taake's show there, which was to have happened March 31. Talib Kweli recently canceled his show at the venue, due to its “[refusal] to apologize" for booking Taake -- a band who have been accused of Nazism due to frontman Hoest performing with a swastika painted on his chest in 2007. Other shows on the tour also seem like they're not happening as well.

”I find it appalling that the Riot Room refuses to apologize for booking this band. I wouldn’t feel safe bringing my team, family and fans into a venue that is sympathetic to white nationalism, so I’ve cancelled the show,” Talib said.

”For reasons out of my control, and frankly out of my realm of understanding, I will be removing myself from the tour with Taake,” said King Dude.

”So, once and for all, Taake is not a racist band. Never has been, never will be. Still claiming so is as ridiculous and unfounded as are the attempts at sabotaging our highly anticipated shows,” said Hoest.

LPR issued a statement, reading, ”It is our mission to create a safe space for everyone in our community and this show does not meet that standard.”

After resolving the visa issues that caused them to cancel their 2017 North American tour, Norwegian black metal vets Taake have now announced a 2018 tour supporting last year's Kong Vinter...