Acclaimed San Jose Death Metal band Ripped To Shreds have cut ties with Master, canceling their upcoming Berkeley, CA show at 924 Gilman St. after Master performed at the controversial and failed “Metal Threat” festival in Chicago, IL. The fest, held on October 4th-6th, faced backlash for hosting bands linked to the NSBM scene and known pedophiles and N*zi worshippers, Inquisition, prompting dozens of cancellations. Ripped To Shreds specifically condemned Master’s decision to play an event that featured Arghoslent. In addition to pulling the show, Ripped To Shreds have also parted ways with their booking agency, Heavy Talent. Ripped To Shreds most recent album is 2024’s excellent Sanshi, out now via Relapse Records. Watch the full video and other social media posts below from Andrew Lee.
“refusing to play with a neonazi band like arghoslent that glorifies the black slave trade is the lowest possible bar and master still failed it, so we’re withdrawing from friday’s show at @924gilmanstreet support to @bitterendbooking for doing the right thing and canceling the show. we’re still leaving heavy talent, but i would like to clarify that heavy talent only reps sinister, the sinister and master tour was booked as a package, and master booked their show with metal threat directly through paul dunski and not through heavy talent.”