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Altpress Exclusive: Christians vs. Hellmouth
Alternative Press - Tim Karan on 5/7/09 @ 11:44 PM - altpress.com
A press release for the band says that an area high school student allegedly took home a flier for the show that eventually ended up in the hands of a local priest.
Guitarist Alex Awn explains: "The priest looked us up on the internet and says the first thing he sees is this priest (referring to our album cover [for Destroy Everything, Worship Nothing]) and inverted crosses and pentagrams. He tried to pressure promoter to kick us off the bill and threatened to bring a protest if we play. However the promoter has assured us that we can play totally uncensored."
When AP asked for further thoughts from the band, Awn added, "From Elvis to Black Sabbath and from N.W.A. to Spongebob SquarePants, the Catholic Church has always and will always find artistic expression to criticize and condemn. If the church chooses to picket Hellmouth shows, too, at least we're in good company. At the end of the day, Hellmouth doesn't give a fuck about anybody. Destroy Everything. Worship Nothing."
Failure Fest is an annual food drive put on "by punks, for punks."
We want to know what you think about this. Does the church have the right to protest this show? Or should Hellmouth be allowed to go on as planned? Check out the album art in question below and let us know!
The church has the right to protest but I honestly do not think it will do any good. Live and let live.
Anyone has a right to peacefully protest something; however, does it make it right to protest something? I think this is going a little overboard.
Well the first amendment lets them protest. But it's not ganna do any good for their cause, in fact it'll make more people want to listen to Hellmouth. Just like Parental Advisory stickers, when something is taboo you just want it that much more.
The church can protest anything, for without protest, change would never occur, but at the least, protest good music with a bad message. No offense Hellmouth, but your sound could improve, and in the mean time, the church can come up with reason for the protest, aside from the blatant blasphemy. Be well.
As a Pastor (not Catholic though), I would rather see dialogue as opposed to protest. They certainly have the right to protest but I agree, it will not accomplish much. Genuine conversation and showing love would go much father. With Hellmouth taking part of this food drive, I bet the Priest and band have more in common then they realize - a concern for the oppressed. Wouldn't that common ground foster a more suitable situation for discussion? Hate and judgment just makes it worse.