Are the Russian Authorities Targeting Goths and Metalheads?
In recent days, viral posts have circulated on social media platforms claiming that Russian authorities have begun persecuting goths, metalheads, and other members of alternative subcultures, accusing them of involvement with satanic or terrorist organizations. While the headlines are alarming, the facts behind these claims are far more complex and far less sensational.
What Really Happened?
The origin of the panic appears to be a Russian federal case against a fringe online group allegedly linked to ritualistic and violent content. This group, which had a limited digital footprint and no real connection to the broader metal or goth scenes, has been investigated for suspected extremist activities. The charges involve inciting violence and promoting death cult ideologies online, not listening to heavy music, wearing black, or being part of any subculture.
Unfortunately, some Russian media outlets and online commentators have used dramatic language to describe the suspects’ aesthetics, which include dark clothing, occult imagery, and references to Satan. That language has since been picked up by clickbait accounts and conspiracy pages, fueling misleading headlines suggesting that all people who listen to black metal, industrial music, or identify as goth are under threat.
Russian Metal and Goth Scenes Are Not Criminalized
To date, there is no official policy, law, or police action targeting fans of metal, goth, or industrial music in Russia. Subcultures continue to thrive in major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, with concerts, clubs, and festivals still taking place — albeit under the same level of scrutiny and pressure many musicians have faced since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Artists, fans, and alternative communities in Russia are no strangers to censorship, but equating the wearing of black or interest in heavy music with terrorism is a dangerous and false narrative. The Russian metal scene has a long and rich history, including bands like Arkona, Katalepsy, and Rossomahaar, many of whom continue to perform and publish music.
The Danger of Viral Misinformation
What’s most concerning is how quickly misleading narratives can spread online, particularly when they exploit public fear and cultural misunderstandings. By blending aesthetic traits with extremist behavior, these rumors do harm not only to the individuals involved in the criminal cases, but also to innocent fans of alternative music and fashion.
Let’s be clear: being goth or metalhead is not a crime - not in Russia, not anywhere. What’s being investigated is an isolated online extremist group, not an entire culture.
Bottom Line
Stay informed. Verify sources. And don’t let fearmongering replace facts.
