Heavy Metal Group Banned in Russia for Lyrical Content

The question of the impact of heavy metal lyrics on children has once again reared its head. In Russia, the translation of lyrics by Cannibal Corpse has been banned by a district court.

The Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI) is reporting that the Oktyabrsky District Court of Ufa has ruled against the band following a filed complaint that their lyrics and album covers depict "violence, the physical and mental abuse of people and animals, murder and suicide – all accompanied by illustrations." These words and images, they successfully argued, have the potential to damage the mental health of minors.

The article notes that it could still be possible for Cannibal Corpse to have their albums sold in Russia. In other countries where they have faced similar situations, their records have been available with black covers. The court will issue instructions on that process in the future.

Last month, a Cannibal Corpse concert in Nizhny, Novgorod was stopped by police in mid-show after protests by Russian Orthodox activist groups. Three other concerts, including one in Ufa, were canceled.

See Cannibal Corpse and Others in These Musician Movie Cameos