PETALING JAYA: The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) wants to know why the authorities have allowed Singapore-based black metal group Devouror to perform in Malaysia on Easter Sunday (April 21).

Its general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri said the band, which was formed in 2018, prided itself in carrying lyrical themes that were allegedly anti-Christian and pro-satanic.

"The CCM calls upon the relevant authorities to explain the basis for granting permission to such bands that promote their music by using extremely offensive and denigrating language that can hurt the religious feelings of others," he said in a statement on Monday (April 15).

He said the band was also expected to perform live on one of the holiest day of the Christian calendar - Easter Sunday.

"This will be considered an affront to the religious sentiments of Christians in the country.

"We hope that the government will look into the matter immediately, as this is not the kind of culture we want to promote among the youth in the country," he said.

It was reported on March 8 that the Singapore government had pulled the plug on a gig by Swedish black-metal band, Watain, hours before it is supposed to perform, saying there are concerns over the band’s history of denigrating religions and promoting violence.

Singapore's Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) had earlier allowed the gig, which was supposed to be held at Ebenex Live Space in Upper Paya Lebar on March 7, with a rating of “Restricted 18 (R18)”.

IMDA issued a statement announcing the cancellation, citing "security concerns" raised by Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs.