Jakim objects to 'Lamb of God' band performance

The Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (Jakim) has raised objection to the scheduled performance of the United States' heavy metal band, Lamb of God, in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 28.

Its director-general, Datuk Othman Mustapha, said Jakim raised the objection because the genre of music that the group had performed was a mix of metal songs with the reading of verses from the Quran.

The band had sparked controversy among the Christian community itself as a group that incorporates evil and anti-divine spiritual elements in its performance, he said in a statement.

Othman said the objection was in accordance with the decision of the Fatwa (Edicts) Committee that the practices and acts of black metal groups were misguided and contrary to the true teachings of Islam.

As such, Jakim feared that the performance in the country of heavy metal groups would revive the black metal trend, he said.

Othman said it was hoped that the authorities would not approve the performance of the Lamb of God by taking into consideration the sensitivities of Muslims and to ensure that it did not open up crises related to faith and morality.

The Lamb of God band was previously known as Burn the Priest.