Well, this one’s got the metal world talking again. Slaughter To Prevail — the Russian deathcore behemoths famous for pig-mask carnage and breakdowns heavier than a hangover after Download — have once again found themselves under fire for alleged far-right imagery. But guitarist Jack Simmons says the truth is far less sinister… and kind of their “own fault.”
⚡ “It’s not what people think”
Speaking to fans online, Simmons said that the band don’t hold Nazi beliefs and never have. The controversy centres on frontman Alex Terrible’s tattoo of a Black Sun, a symbol that’s become associated with extremist groups in modern times.
Simmons insists Alex’s tattoo wasn’t a political statement at all — just a design choice that unfortunately happens to carry historical baggage. “His girlfriend’s grandmother literally has the same symbol woven into her carpet,” he said, “so it wasn’t chosen for any of that stuff.”
The band now admit, however, that not anticipating the backlash was naive. “We get it,” Simmons added. “The controversy is our own fault — we should’ve been more aware of what that symbol means to people.”
🤘 The controversy that won’t die
This isn’t the first time Slaughter To Prevail have had to answer tough questions about their imagery. Their brutal aesthetic — skull masks, military visuals, and Alex’s menacing growls — has always walked the line between theatrical and controversial. But as the band’s global profile skyrockets, so does the scrutiny.
Fans remain split. Some say the band are being unfairly judged for art taken out of context. Others argue that any use of loaded symbols crosses a line, intentional or not.
On Reddit, one fan wrote:
“I love their music, but come on — the Black Sun is a known hate symbol. You can’t just say it’s on someone’s carpet and expect everyone to chill.”
Meanwhile, another replied:
“They’re Russian and British dudes making deathcore, not running for office. Let’s not cancel every tattoo.”
🩸 From controversy to clarity?
Whether you believe their explanation or not, it’s clear Simmons wants to move the band away from the stigma. He says Alex has since covered the tattoo and that the band “want the focus back on the music, not the rumours.”
Their next album — still untitled — is said to be “the most personal and extreme” thing they’ve done yet. If they can shake off the political noise and bring the riffs, fans might forgive… or at least mosh through the madness.
🎤 The Riff Report verdict
Look, metal’s always flirted with dark imagery — from Slayer’s pentagrams to Ghost’s papal cosplay. But intent matters, mun. 🤘 If Slaughter To Prevail genuinely didn’t know the symbol’s origins, fair enough — lesson learned.
Still, when you’re a band whose whole vibe screams “evil incarnate,” maybe double-check what you ink next time, yeah?
C’mon butt — let’s hope the next headline about Slaughter To Prevail is about the music and not another PR inferno. 🔥
