GORGOROTH: Polish Authorities Drop Investigation Over Controversial Gig

In February 2004, GORGOROTH was at the center of controversy in Poland following a scandalous live performance in a TV studio in the city of Krakow.

The Norwegian black metal band were investigated for causing religious offense after a show that included dozens of sheep heads on stakes, a literal bloodbath, satanic symbols and naked, crucified women. [Check out photos and videos from the gig at this location]

The concert in Krakow was broadcast by state TV station TVP and the resulting scandal was the center of attention in Polish media. The band were investigated for causing religious offense, which is punishable by up to two years in prison. The Polish police also investigated a possible act of cruelty to animals.

Nearly two years after the incident, the district attorney's office in Krakow have decided to drop the investigation into whether GORGOROTH committed any criminal acts, the Norwegian newspaper VGreports in its January 4, 2006 edition. However, the producer of the TV show will be prosecuted and faces two years in prison.

The police investigation concluded that the members of GORGOROTH were unaware of the fact that under Polish law it is a criminal offence to offend people's religious beliefs.

One of the women who were crucified on a cross was so shocked that she passed out and was taken to a hospital.

"Tomasz K, the owner of the production company Metal Mind Promotion, who produced the show, was aware of the fact that the stage set contained satanic symbols that could offend Polish catholics — thus being against the law. The producer did not inform GORGOROTH that they were doing something that violates Polish laws,” the spokesperson Boguslawa Marcinkowska at the district attorney's office in Krakow told the news agency PAP.