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Dimmu Borgir have posted a lengthy statement addressing the drama brought about by former members Mustis and ICS Vortex being kicked out of the band earlier this week. Here it is:
"Man, what a shitstorm response!
Too bad all the shit is thrown in the wrong direction.
Oh, well, what else could we expect?
We don't blame you as you still haven't heard the other side, the band's side.
We have put up with unprofessionalism and bad live performances for years. This couldn't be ignored anymore as we firmly believe the fans deserve the best on both records and shows.
First of all, a big thank you to those who still have their own mind intact and believe in the music of the band and not only judge by what is falsely accused in statements posted online by recently fired members based on their ignorance, bitterness and greed. A quite normal human response when being disappointed, but we hope you kept in mind the saying that goes: 'Those who scream the loudest have the most to hide
' but: 'Only when we're calm we'll be able to listen.'
We have a feeling, judging from some of you and your 'jump-to-conclusion'-type of comments and responses, that some of the reasons that are about to be explained might as well end up as too much for you band member 'fans' to grasp the magnitude of, or to handle. We'll give it a try.
The true fans of the band and its music already have shown their support and understanding without us having to explain it to them in detail. But for the rest, anyways, here goes:
Let us give you a few things to chew on perhaps especially to those of you that have already taken sides. Some of it concerns both Vortex and Mustis collectively; some of it is separately based issues. And yes, it might come as a surprise to some of you but they were fired with a reason.
To make it seem less of a soap opera and less embarrassing, if this is even possible at this point, for those it concerns, we'll keep things simple and straight to the point.
On a side note and in comparison, just keep in mind that people have been fired for way less in this and other bands before. So for those of you who think we didn't try and make this work and did this out of anything else but what we thought was best for the band, please think again and consider the following written words below carefully. At the same time, as we hate to ruin the idea of how some of you guys perceive this band and its members both in a positive and negative way, those of you who care deserve to hear the truth and here are a few excerpts, out of many, we might add.
Let's put things in perspective for a second: For someone to be in a band, on any level, first there's got to be commitment and dedication, a drive and urge to do what you do, whether you're part of the songwriting process, planning the touring part, business part, the administrative part or simply just the performing part doesn't matter which one you're mostly involved in. However, you need to be involved in some of it to a certain extent to be considered and treated as a member and you have to show some sort of level when it comes to responsibility, not only for yourself but for others around you as well.
Over the course of 10 years period, there's also something you either develop the comprehension of or you don't (most develop this basic approach way sooner), called 'understanding of how things are run.' We know it sounds blunt, but it's important that this is being enforced on behalf of everyone involved within a band and its working partners. After time, you've got to know and accept your place and what role you have taken and your ability therein; the sooner you do this, the better. Remember, you still at the same time have to continue to earn your place and work for it, respect it and nurture it like a child, even after years of success. It doesn't come for free, it doesn't stay for free and it doesn't leave for free either. We're all replaceable.
Are you part of a band for the right reasons? And do you really want this? What are your thoughts on the aspect of being away from home over shorter and longer periods of time performing for your fans? Are you aware of the sacrifice you have to still do after all these years to be able to continue this and are you aware of the workload and the sacrifice not only the other members have done and still do, but also people working with the band in other areas have done over the years, while you haven't?
You need to do your part, or at least do an attempt to be given a fair chance of survival, even if it's not as much. Certain simple basic things, which are spawned out of common sense, those are the things we expect from you. That's if you want to be looked at as a member of a music group and be taken seriously.
The things mentioned above are all obvious factors and basic principles you need to be square on and aware about; if not, you're wasting yours and other people's valuable time.
Further down is a couple of things Vortex and Mustis simply 'forgot' to mention in their previous statements respectively. Also the fact that Mustis' statement(s) not being written by himself but by someone else means it is false accusations and have been registered as such by our lawyers.
Lesson number one, the obvious one: Don't forget to bring your instrument when you're about to play a festival in which you're going to perform in front of thousands of fans that have travelled far and paid money to see you play. Maybe you haven't been into it so much the last couple of years and it's on top of that an early flight; you feel things are a bit tedious no worries, we all experience this from time to time but we know the deal by now after so long, and so many years. Or, so we thought. But we shouldn't have to remind you to bring your own instrument to a gig. For that there's no excuse, neither will we accept one.
Lesson number two, a less obvious one and can easily be forgotten while under the influence but still: Don't hurt yourself in an alcoholic rage smashing a glass to your forehead, putting yourself, your band 'mates,' crew, not to mention the show(s), in jeopardy. Remember, the money you care so much about getting, compared to the minimal of effort you put in won't be paid out to you or anyone else in the band if the show(s) doesn't happen. You have responsibility. We suspect this weren't part of your calculation, obviously none of us are perfect but as a grown up person, we expect more. Luckily for you, the makeup covers the cut from the smashed glass on your forehead onstage.
You did manage to get away with general bullshit, classical cocky, rock-star attitude and carelessness this time too. You wouldn't get away with it at home around your family so what makes you think it's fine to behave like an asshole around your band members, your family away from home? On-stage equals posing, off-stage it's a no-no. But, contrary to other times in the past, there simply won't be another chance and you know so goddamn well why you're not given yet another. Suddenly we're the bad guys because you expected another shot out of mere habit, just because we were too nice in the past to grant you another one and another one.
Your stage sound and set-up we won't bother to address anymore. Your stage performance lately we won't bother to mention either. You know why you're not part of this band anymore, don't make excuses and make it look like it's someone else's fault when you very well know it was you alone who put you where you are right now.
Now, auctioning off your band's most recent album on eBay, only signed by yourself, can't be looked upon in any other ways as pure greed, not to mention mockery, towards the rest of the members of the band that you're still in, AND the fans. Attempting to sell a CD of the last album (which you can still get hold of in shops) with only your signature on it for the highest bid is a remarkably low act.
Instead of getting hold of some work to do, if money is what you so desperately seem to be needing (while you actually maybe rather should be considering working on ideas for a new album if you're so concerned about being credited correctly), you rather believe the easiest and fastest way to money must simply be to start a blackmailing procedure against the other members in the band holding important files as ransom files that are the band's property which we need for future projects that would bring you money later eventually, in one way or another. Now it won't. Not a very smart and thought out thing to do. Not to mention the fans now have to wait for these special releases because your ego for some odd reason is hurt and in total control. These files, which we handed over to you in good trust over a year ago as a band member and what we'd consider a brother despite your lazy ass, not surprisingly you haven't even touched it as part as bonus features special of a re-release campaign including certain albums. Instead, you threaten to sue your fellow band members for neglect and not treating you right monetary-wise.
Isn't it typical? You both want to harvest the fruits, but putting labour into it yourself is not so important. See how long that'll last in real life. Ironically, it lasted this long with the band, finally now that time is over.
This shouldn't be acceptable. So what do we do? We don't accept it. After all these years wiping people's asses and feeding their mouths, we're forced to take on another strict angle, like you do with kids when nothing else works. To be forced to almost constantly spend energy on dragging someone to practice for instance and be part of a unit a force, is tedious for the rest of us. Always an excuse not to do what's expected of you.
To the best of our efforts, we've tried to explain over and over, again and again, how the business side of things works, but when ignorance is bliss and the people it concerns fail to even meet at band business meetings, later not understanding and realizing because of the obvious fact that they weren't present, the deal is then suddenly we're 'hiding something' and 'I must get ripped off, there's no other logical explanation!'
Sounds familiar to some of you readers?
But on the contrary, we've not been afraid of encouraging the use and exploration of talents of other members elsewhere while still being in the band. We have even handed over major projects on a silver plate but to not even bother replying to such offers speaks volumes. We can't do that job for you too. What about the talk of a certain 'solo' project for the last 10 years? Where is it? Talk, that's what it is. Talk and no action.
Still complaining, not trusting your partners for the last 10 years when receiving a pay check, worth way beyond your song'writing' ability and what you're already credited for is fair in your eyes. It's amusing and at the same time sad to see how little reflective and humble grown people can be sometimes; or in this particular case, most of the time.
Stop acting like composers and songwriters until you have written and released something on your own that's worthwhile and we'll see how well you do.
To quote Vortex in his very own statement: 'I have really enjoyed the ride!' Sure you have, it's been for free! Either because of lack of interest, dedication, understanding and capability or all of those.
So a word of advice: For those of you who'd wish and would want to work with either of these guys in the future, please be prepared to discuss business first since the art of music comes secondary.
We believe there's no need to go into further details; it'll be highly embarrassing. It already is for the rest of us and most sane people get the point by now. If you feel you haven't been appreciated, this goes for both, then why did you accept the large sums of money all these years that has been handed out to you? It was convenient, wasn't it?
For how much longer should we accept a service on stage that has slowly deteriorated over the last few years which we know other bands wouldn't tolerate, seeing as your performance simply wasn't good enough and your self-critical view was like zero. Explain that. But you wanted the cash, pretty typical. Give someone something even if they don't deserve it just to keep everyone happy and they want more of it. Don't take credit for something you haven't written.
If you knew how to arrange and write a song, you would have already, just like the rest of us. But no, your lazy ass is too 'busy' complaining about not getting what is 'rightfully' and 'legally' yours. Funny then, how the new album is halfway finished written already by the rest of us without any of these guys' input, still having all those elements we're known for. Even having obligations and work with other bands simultaneously on the side. But those who still believe in the band and its music, and not in recently fired members' bitterness, greed and fear of what's around the corner, will understand this when the next opus is out.
We could write a book about previous members and their separate reasons why they're not in the band anymore, but we believe you don't want to hear most of it by now.
This wasn't an issue of the typical 'musical differences' bullshit statement either. Other bands cover up their shit with that worn-out excuse, but musical differences is exactly what makes this band sounding unique. Sadly, some of the members lost the focus along the way; some people close to the band will say they did that a long time ago, and for that there was simply nothing we could do anymore. We can't force people to do something they obviously don't want or care about. We tried but they didn't. Our patience and goodwill is not everlasting.
So for those of you who still think we owe them more than a phone call or an e-mail letting them know their 'services' are no longer wanted and needed, think again. We just had enough and for that we're not sorry. We're only sorry it didn't work out in the end.
And to those who think greed played a part in this, so absolutely, and now you know whose careers are run by it and whose isn't.
See you soon,
Galder, Shagrath & Silenoz."
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Posted: 03.09.2009 by Baz Anderson |
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Comments page 2 of 2
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Winge winge moan moan - their fired, no amount of taking sides or whining is going to sort this thing out.
instead divert you attention to either dimmus new album or vortex and mustis new stuff.
sad fuckers
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To quote shaggers
"Man, what a shitstorm response!"
I get a feeling that the lenth of this message is only hiding something.
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Written by necrovamp on 03.09.2009 at 15:39
Winge winge moan moan - their fired, no amount of taking sides or whining is going to sort this thing out.
instead divert you attention to either dimmus new album or vortex and mustis new stuff.
Agreed, what done is done. Doesn't matter whose side you want to be on. I'm looking forward as who Dimmu choses as Vortex's and Mustis' replacements, and also to their new release.
I hope the 2 ex members can come up with something good for us.
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 Pétur - 03.09.2009 at 16:39
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*Plays violin tragically*
ahhhh the drama! O well Mustis and Vortex are finaly free from Dimmu shitburger, now they can start there own projects which most likely will be 233242 times better then Dimmu.
Also who will belief this? from what I heard from people who saw Dimmu borgir live, it's in fact Shagrath who plays without soul and bland and without any stage presence at all.
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muska - 03.09.2009 at 17:33
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This was like a crazy person rambling sitting next to you on the underground train 
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Njord - 03.09.2009 at 17:38
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Well, Mustis and Vortex statement was clear and non offensive.
This one is clearly offensive. It talks about bad actions, lawyers, business and money.
Who's right I don't know but I don't like the way everybody exposed all the problems, especially the remaining members of the band
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Array - 03.09.2009 at 18:49
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Vortex was really the only member who had a stage presence! And if I'm not mistaken, isn't Shagrath one of the highest paid metal musicians?
I still love Dimmu, but I am sceptical of the new stuff...
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All just a bunch of bitching. I thought black metal bands were supposed to be all evil and satanic??? This article makes them sound like a bunch of high school chick dealin with drama. What a bunch of pussies.
SHUT UP AND FUCKIN PLAY MUSIC!!!!!!!!
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I swear, black metal bands are just like high school cliques.
Whine whine whine, moan moan moan. The last CD wasn't even good. And Vortex's other work is much better.
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Oh man, that was probably the longest text I've ever read in my life without anything special being said.
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Shagrath!.. dont be so fagget! trying to hide your corruption with nuclear blast! about the copy right! using your fans! like a scuse!! , on this statement you say alot the word "fans" like: for our fans, this for the fans, music for the fans! when "the fans" know that you just do music for Money!!! and not for the feeling of black metal like your old cds! , so dont use your fans to hide the bad stuff that you do!!! ok!! respect the Fans!! respect the Black Metal!!! and respect your Friends!! (mantis & vortex)!! that they was 70% the Brain! of Dimmu Borgir......
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Shagrath!.. dont be so fagget! trying to hide your corruption with nuclear blast! about the copy right! using your fans! like a scuse!! , on this statement you say alot the word "fans" like: for our fans, this for the fans, music for the fans! when "the fans" know that you just do music for Money!!! and not for the feeling of black metal like your old cds! , so dont use your fans to hide the bad stuff that you do!!! ok!! respect the Fans!! respect the Black Metal!!! and respect your Friends!! (mantis & vortex)!! that they was 70% the Brain! of Dimmu Borgir......
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Yeah okay Shaggy. 
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They seem just like kids....pathetic.
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I read the entire statement, and all the comments (I'm not trying to brag; I'm just saying that that is a lot to read). I wonder how the recent Chrome Division line-up change relates to this. I did notice some of the irony in that statement as well. I have been suspicious about Shagrath recently, and this pretty much confirms my suspicion about Shagrath being a not-so-nice person. This pretty much reinforces the fact that nobody can be perfect. Dimmu Borgir sure as heck is not perfect. Especially whoever wrote that rant (probably Shagrath, but the other two members could have pitched in as well). Mustis and Vortex did not go on the offensive toward the other three members. What the heck was Shagrath doing when he said that " 'Those who scream the loudest have the most to hide
' but: 'Only when we're calm we'll be able to listen.' " How was the rant calm and how was it that they were having a message much, much longer than that of the deleted members'? I hate lots of things, including hypocrisy. Also, they said that they didn't want to add to the drama, but this long rant pretty much defeated that purpose. They could have said "we had some disagreements, and they're out of the band. We had musical differences and will keep this in the past"; that would have been better, if they wanted less of a drama. It was pretty interesting to read, nonetheless. *sigh*. The flaws of humanity. I won't pretend that they didn't make good points, however, such as being a passionate member of a band. If some of the things are true about Vortex and Mustis (such as only one member signing a copy of In Sorte Diaboli and selling it on eBay), then that is not a nice deed of theem. But the band didn't really need to bad mouth them so much.
Positively, I made a new friend yesterday when talking about the deletion of Mustis and Vortex from Dimmu Borgir, so that was cool.
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Ultimately, I'm kind of saddened to see that Vortex and Mustis are out, but I also want to see the band progress to its full potential. Sometimes, bad shit such as this happens, and there's not really any good way of sorting it out, other than just lopping off the bad part... Kinda like mold on cheese. I do hope, however, that we might hear another clean vocalist on future Dimmu Borgir releases, as that aspect is one that has made Dimmu Borgir very unique, to me... Sort of adding the mental image of a gruesome zombie carnival to the music. I'm sure that the band won't have too much trouble finding a couple more talented members, even if they have to borrow from other bands.
I will say, if it hasn't already been made apparent, that I'm favoring the band's side on this, because I've played in several bands, and I've seen a good share of drama caused by ousting a member or two... And it seems that it usually is the guy that gets kicked out for a good reason that talks a lot of shit, and acts like they got the raw deal. Time will really tell on this matter, and I think that when Dimmu comes out with their next album, it's gonna be fucking sick, no matter what.
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I don't know who is right or who is wrong here. There are two sides to every story. The fact is, we'll never know for sure. Just like Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson/Marty Friedman. Was it really about unfair treatment? Or was it about generating an income? I don't know, but two members who have been here for the last ten years are gone. either way you look at it, it's sad. Vortex was something they were known for, and so was Mustis. How much they actually wrote, shit, well, once more, who knows? The rest of Dimmu had some good points though. In order to be in a band, one has to be dedicated, and you can't stick with slackers or you pay. That's what I'm going to walk away from this with. Just general disapointment as a fan and a reminder that you can't play guitar with a dead hand.
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"To make it seem less of a soap opera and less embarrassing, if this is even possible at this point, for those it concerns, we'll keep things simple and straight to the point."
FAIL! 
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Written by PrisonOfMirrors on 05.09.2009 at 21:47
"To make it seem less of a soap opera and less embarrassing, if this is even possible at this point, for those it concerns, we'll keep things simple and straight to the point."
FAIL!
I agree.
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Well that sucked ass..... Vortex is an amazing vocalist. I bet they will have a very hard time finding a good replacement for him...
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Written by Itoc on 03.09.2009 at 12:24
Best drama of the year indeed! Who knows, maybe it'll be even longer than the STRATOVARIUS drama?
It's sad that such a great band would fall under the drama/split up scene. Maybe it was inevitable? I mean these guys been "under the same roof" for just above 10 years... It's a long damn time. Again it's sad how things would turn up, but again this drama thing could be one entertainement in the future.
And maybe, even though Mustis and Vortex didn't contribute much to the songwriting process, the songs in the future will be somewhat "new" or maybe even "go back" to old Dimmu? One things for certain, something will be highly different in the new album compared to the last 2-3 albums!
I think it's the force of money that held them together. That's why it's inevitable. You see, these guys came from the obscurity of black metal, where you can play without the guarantee that your songs will be performed live or that you'll get paid for it. When you choose to be more commercial than your peers in this genre, it's like going to live on the moon or something, accepting all the shitstorm of negativity and pettiness that money brings.
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