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BEHEMOTH’s NERGAL Rips Internet Haters: ‘If You Don’t Have Balls To Come And Say Things In My Face, You Can F*** Off’
Behemoth’s Adam “Nergal” Darski said he does not let online criticism influence his music, arguing that strongly divided reactions can reflect an artist’s honesty. He added that people who insult him online rarely confront him in person, and said they could “f*** off” if they would not say it to his face.
The comments came in an interview with Darski and Dimmu Borgir guitarist Sven “Silenoz” Kopperud during their European co-headline tour, “In League With Satan”. Both said they had not felt pressure to soften their music to attract a wider audience. Darski pointed to Behemoth’s latest album title, *The Shit Ov God*, as evidence of his uncompromising approach, while Silenoz said metal was not made for the masses.
In short
- Nergal said online criticism does not shape his music.
- He said critics rarely confront him in person.
- Both musicians said they have not compromised for wider appeal.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Artists may reasonably see blunt online criticism as a poor guide to their creative choices, especially when it comes from people unwilling to make the same remarks face to face. Keeping their music uncompromising can express artistic honesty and serve listeners who value work made without chasing mass approval.
The case against
Public criticism can be a legitimate way for listeners to express strong reactions, and an artist’s visibility may invite scrutiny even when critics would not confront them in person. Dismissing critics with an insult risks shutting down useful disagreement and can make an uncompromising image seem more important than engaging with what audiences actually say.
Explained simply
Behemoth is a Polish extreme metal band led by Adam “Nergal” Darski. Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian metal band whose guitarist Sven “Silenoz” Kopperud is another long-standing figure in the genre. Both bands are known for music and imagery that can be provocative.
Metal bands often build their identity around a distinctive sound and a clear stance on how their music should be made. Some aim for a broad audience, while others say they would rather keep their existing approach than change it to appeal to more listeners. Their comments reflect that debate, as well as how musicians respond to criticism on social media.
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