Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Alex Terrible of Slaughter To Prevail issues statement after waving Russian flag at Warped Tour
Alex Terrible, the vocalist of Slaughter To Prevail, has had to withstand a fresh round of polarizing online criticism after waving a Russian flag during the opening of his band’s performance on June 14, at the first of this year’s three ‘Vans’ Warped Tour’ 30th anniversary events. Although Terrible has long been a contentious figure in the deathcore scene due to his previous affiliations and accusations, his band’s success has continued to soar, allowing them to reach new audiences.
Given that the performance took place in Washington, D.C., home to the U.S. government, and that many Western nations have strained ties with Russia as a result of Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, yesterday’s performance at the RFK Stadium Grounds in the city was thought to be offensive by some. Terrible has remained proudly patriotic of Russia and his heritage despite the shift in perceptions about his native country. It should be mentioned, though, that he has publicly opposed the current war. HE referred to himself as a “man of peace” in March of this year, as he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine back in 2022.
Even though Terrible’s principles are now somewhat more well-known in the metal community, many of the pop-punk, etc.-loving fans in attendance were most likely seeing the band for the first time. Terrible posted the video of himself carrying the flag to the stage on June 14, stating:
“Im grateful to represent my country worldwide I really want to make this legacy of the Russian heavy metal band smashing the stages everywhere and spreading a good message. Motivate people with our music to not to give up on yourself and do more than you think you can do
@vanswarpedtour we appreciate your hospitality ! Crowd was insane”
Terrible also released the following statement, seemingly in response to the most recent round of criticism directed at him after that post:
“Over the years of being in the spotlight, I’ve come to clearly understand just how selfish people can be. No matter what you do, it’s never enough for them. If you don’t do what people expect or want from you — you’re bad. If you do? It’s still not enough. You need to do more. If you do something, but it goes against their opinion? You become the enemy. You should be canceled, thrown in jail, even killed.
People start saying things about you that you never said or did. They wish you harm. And then, in the same breath, they talk about freedom of speech and democracy. It’s all double standards and hypocrisy.
I especially like the type of people who are “for everything good and against everything bad.” I consider them to be some kind of genius saints burdened with holy morality and the right to decide for everyone how they should live and who they should be.
With the rise of the internet, you see just how many of these people there actually are — and you start to understand why the world is the way it is.
We are still light-years away from being a civilized, tolerant, and highly educated society. Many people still live in black-and-white thinking, unable to grasp how complex and ambiguous this world truly is.
We live in a society, and whether we like it or not, the opinion of others matters. What people say or think about us affects us. But with each passing year, I realize that I care less and less about what others think of me. I don’t even care anymore what my close ones think.
No matter what, I’m going to act the way I want to — the way that benefits me. And at the same time, I will still love my loved ones and try to love all people on this planet.
It’s hard work! But I believe it’s the most interesting work in life”
The caption of the post reads as follows:
“Internet life is a sickness. It’s sad but it’s true. I’m learning to only be a “poster”. I post and leave. Because when I read the comment section it makes me sad and feel like I’ll never be good enough for them.
Just make your stuff, post and leave.”