Gorgoroth, Norwegian black metal band, drew the attention of the international media in early 2004 after their show in Krakow. They were accused of "offending religious feelings" during the gig, as well as suspected of breaching Polish law concerning the protection of animal rights by using severed and impaled heads of sheep as part of their stage design. The controversial concert in Poland resulted in the group being investigated for the possible breach of Article 196 of Polish penal code concerning offense of religious feelings (the maximum penalty for breaching this article is five years in prison).

 

Gorgoroth, widely known for their antichristian ideology, had promised on their web site that the Polish concert would be an "amazing show with lots of pyro, gallons of blood, live crucifixion and nude models." Despite the fact, the employees of the Krakow branch of TVP claimed that they had no knowledge of what the musicians and the promoters had in mind until they saw the actual performance. The concert, which was recorded at the studio of a TV station in Krakow, "was never meant to reach the media," according to the band’s vocalist Gaahl. "Producers Metal Mind Productions bought the sheep heads at a butcher shop. We weren't involved in animal torture of any kind."

In one of the band's first interviews after this controversial concert, Infernus said to Unrestrained! Magazine (Canada): "We didn't plan to really have an outcome like that, our only intent was to go there and film the DVD (…) All the chaos and media reaction that came from this was a surprise of sorts." Asked if they "were (…) worried when the authorities were called" Infernus answered: "Not worried, really. I mean, what was the worst thing they could do? Destroy the tapes? I don't think they would do that and I don't think they could really do any harm to us, though they might be able to put the Polish producer away in prison for a few years. For us, this will probably help us sell a few more records.(…) As of now, I can only think that the DVD will be put out eventually. (…) It would be almost like they are stuck in the Middle Ages in Poland if they destroyed the tapes by burning them. I hope to get them back one day… I hope."

Apparently, Infernus was right as the show will be eventually available world-wide in mid June 2008. The DVD entitled “Black Mass Kraków 2004” will have Krakow’s show as the main feature. Additionally, it will include bonus video material – Live at With Full Force Festival, Leipzig, 2000 (tracks: 1. Destroyer, 2. Incipit Satan), biography, discography, photo gallery, desktop images, weblinks, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and more!!!!