On January 25, 2025, Detroit’s Harpos Concert Theatre abruptly halted a black metal concert featuring bands with alleged neo-Nazi affiliations. The event, titled “A Night of Black Metal and Carnage,” included acts such as Grand Belial’s Key, Crucifier, and Blue Hummingbird on the Left. The promoter had requested minimal publicity, leading to limited information about the show’s specifics.
The concert was cut short during the second band’s performance when police arrived in response to online threats directed at the venue. Co-owner Ruzvelt Stevanovski took immediate action, stating, “As soon as I found out, I walked onstage and said: ‘We’re shutting down. Kill the sound.'”
Further investigations revealed that some participating bands have histories of promoting antisemitic and racist ideologies. For instance, Grand Belial’s Key is known for its anti-Christian and antisemitic themes, while its members are also associated with Arghoslent, a band with overtly racist content.
In addition to these concerns, a fire marshal’s report identified over two dozen safety violations at Harpos Concert Theatre, including padlocked doors and blocked exits, which posed significant risks to attendees.
This incident underscores the importance of venues thoroughly vetting performers to ensure the safety and well-being of their patrons.
