Ukrainians in Finland condemn Russian band’s participation in major Nordic metal festival

The Ukrainian Association in Finland (UAF) is running a campaign against the scheduled performance of the Russian band Slaughter to Prevail at Tuska, the biggest heavy metal festival in the Nordic region.

The Ukrainian community reached out to the festival organizers twice and held a peaceful protest against the band’s inclusion — yet the performance still went ahead.

“The Ukrainian Association in Finland strongly condemns the decision by Tuska Festival to invite the russian band Slaughter to Prevail,” the statement said.

The community discovered that the band’s frontman, Aleksandr “Alex The Terrible” Shikolai, pledged to donate part of his concert proceeds to a Russian cadet school and actively collaborates with so-called patriotic Russian brands.

“[This] further signaling alignment with militaristic and nationalist institutions tied to the aggressor state. This is not just music — it is soft power, contributing to the normalization of a violent authoritarian regime,” UAF said.

After reaching out to the organizers, they responded by banning the use of the Russian flag on stage. However, the association notes that this move falls short of addressing the deeper issue.

“This step does not address the broader concern: the platforming of an artist who openly uses imperial russian symbols, has refused to clearly condemn russia’s invasion, and repeatedly declares he is “proud to be russian” on international stages,” UAF said.

After the first letter, the community sent a second, more detailed message, outlining additional concerns and urged the festival to reconsider the band’s participation.

“Unfortunately, we received no reply. The lack of response on such a serious matter is disappointing and revealing,” the statement said.

UAF described the organizers’ decision as “inappropriate and insensitive.”

“We hope that in the future, Tuska Festival and all of its partners will approach the selection of performers with greater responsibility and awareness, especially in a time when russia continues its brutal and unjust war against Ukraine,” the statement said.