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Kataklysm Frontman Maurizio Iacono Comments On The Music Industry

posted May 1, 2012 at 5:02 PM by xFiruath.  (15 Comments)

Photo of Kataklysm

Band Photo: Kataklysm (?)

Maurizio Iacono, frontman of the veteran death metal band, Kataklysm, has issued a statement on his official Facebook page commenting on the recent layoffs at Roadrunner Records and the state of the music industry in general. Numerous press outlets have picked up the strong and impassioned message in the wake of this massive hit to the heavy metal community.

“This is just the beginning,” wrote Iacono. “Not buying albums is affecting the labels who in return invest in the bands, tour support, recording... it's destroying all newcomer bands and [it’s] making middle class musicians poor. You're not hurting the labels by illegal downloading, you're killing the bands.”

He continued, “Starting a band these days is a suicide mission. If music becomes a hobby for musicians, then no more tours, no more good music. Dark times ahead. Well, wait, we have holograms now, don't need REAL people on stage... my bad...

“Again, it's not about me. I've had a great 20 years; if it ends tomorrow I can keep my head [held] up high for what I've done, but what about the new comers and the future of music? NOT good. It's not you the fans' fault, don't get me wrong. It's the system that let it happen. Governments, etc. could have stopped it. They didn't. Now it's up to us, the fans, to help out.

“Buy a shirt, CD, vinyls, download on iTunes, Amazon, the songs you like .. DO SOMETHING! I love you all, and always remember, you guys have all the power to build or destroy, we are only messengers of your voice.”

To read the full statement, click here. Kataklysm is currently celebrating two decades of its acclaimed musical career. The band will release a 2CD + 2DVD, "The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined," on July 3rd in North America and July 6th in Europe via Nuclear Blast to commemorate the milestone. Kataklysm has the following upcoming tour dates:

w/ special guests: Origin, Fleshgod Apocalypse & Rose Funeral
8/11 - Montreal, QC - HEAVY MTL
8/12 - Toronto, ON - HEAVY TO
8/13 - Detroit, MI - Blondie’s
8/17 - Regina, SK - The Exchange*
8/18 - Calgary, AB - The Distillery*
8/19 - Kelowna, BC - Sapphire Night Club*
8/20 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre*
8/21 - Prince George, BC - The Generator*
8/22 - Edmonton, AB - Pawn Shop*
8/23 - Brandon, MB - North Hill Inn*
8/24 - Winnipeg, MB - Park Theatre*

w/ special guests: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Vital Remains & Rose Funeral
8/25 - Saint Paul, MN - Station 4**
8/26 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's Rock Club**
8/27 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
8/31 - W. Springfield, VA - Empire
9/02 - Tampa, FL - The Orpheum
9/04 - Houston, TX - Numbers Night Club
9/05 - Dallas, TX - Trees

*with Diabholico (feat. ex-Kataklysm member)
**with Origin

What's Next?

15 Comments on "Kataklysm Frontman Comments On Music Industry"

Anonymous Reader

1. Ugh writes:

What he says is very sad, but true... Bands will die as a result of unsupportive fans.

# May 2, 2012 @ 11:52 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

2. DK writes:

"It's not you the fans' fault, don't get me wrong. It's the system that let it happen."

bulls***. you just don't want to lose fans who might be the same slacker thieves that are aiding this mess by talking against them. sure, the system could have come down hard on illegal downloading long ago, but we have strict laws against shoplifting and people still manage to do that, too. so sometimes it really is just idiotic people who don't give a f***.

# May 2, 2012 @ 12:28 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Overlord's avatar

Member

3. Overlord writes:

I download almost all of my music, yet I probably spent 1000$ on concert tickets/t shirts this year alone. That is no small amount of money for me, most of my money goes towards paying for school and, of course, dope/beer. If I had to buy all of my music, I couldn't afford to go to any shows!


ps. CDs will be irrelevant in a few years anyways lmao.

# May 2, 2012 @ 3:07 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

4. Persecution Mike writes:

He cannot buy CDs but He can buy dope/beer ...

I buy my CDs.
I want to own my music, i want have it in my hands !

# May 3, 2012 @ 4:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
CorpusUpir's avatar

Member

5. CorpusUpir writes:

What he said is very true . It's just hard to afford a cd when you make just enough to pay rent and bills. Going to school costs more then some see in a year to get a good job and cost of living keeps skyrocketing as our goverments do nothing to even things off. On a awesome note note though WOOO Kataklsym and Fleshgod Apocalypse in KELOWNA !! I just have to walk down the street to get to Saphire!

# May 4, 2012 @ 8:31 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Overlord's avatar

Member

6. Overlord writes:

Yes #4, social activities do take priority over dumping MORE money into music, thank you very much.

# May 4, 2012 @ 2:16 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

7. DK writes:

i'm with 4. the rest are excuse makers. i'm not about to come over and tally your paychecks but gimme a break.

# May 4, 2012 @ 4:57 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
silvermountains's avatar

Member

8. silvermountains writes:

I've only bought CDs nowadays it's sad to see so many mp3 downloads and no support from the fans

# May 4, 2012 @ 5:08 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Overlord's avatar

Member

9. Overlord writes:

Well maybe once I'm done school I can get a better paying job then washing dishes.

a$$hole.

# May 4, 2012 @ 6:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
R10's avatar

Member

10. R10 writes:

I see and fully understand Maurizio's point. I personally buy all my music on cd,but am far more cautious,listen to first on you-tube,etc. Fvck it,im the last of a dying breed. Dont have a fvckin' mp3 with 10,000 songs on it. Ive got a library of 3000+ cds,pain in the a$$ to store i know!

# May 4, 2012 @ 7:17 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Netromancer's avatar

Member

11. Netromancer writes:

Sorry, but I've listened to Kataklysm. 2 semi-good tunes and 8 filler does not a CD make. I'll use my spending money (which is not much, as I'm assuming most of us here can understand) on dope or beer (believe me, it ain't always the good stuff, thank God for 30 packs, eh?) and save my music budget for those bands that still know how to put together a solid group of songs.

I buy a case of brew and I know I'll enjoy it. I can't justify buying a full length CD for the 10 minutes of music I might like. I still buy CD's from bands that I want to support. Bands that make consistantly good music. Put out better CD's and people buy them.

I remember when bands worked to make a kickass CD from start to finish, not one or two singles on top of a pile of trash.

# May 5, 2012 @ 12:59 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

12. DK writes:

@9 lmao will you be done spending too much on all that "dope/beer" by then? mhmm. first world problems.

# May 5, 2012 @ 9:19 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
MetalFan420's avatar

Member

13. MetalFan420 writes:

I do my fair share of downloading torrents but I also buy some albums on itunes( new allegeon is a example). A lot if my $ is spent on concerts tickets and merch and I do not feel bad one bit. Beer and dope is mandatory before album purchases

# May 5, 2012 @ 9:28 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Overlord's avatar

Member

14. Overlord writes:

DK you seem like such an angel, you should apply to become a nun.

# May 5, 2012 @ 10:24 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
AutumnsEyes's avatar

Podcaster, Writer

15. AutumnsEyes writes:

I will be posting an OpEd which will address many of these comments on the subject, and a first hand experience of the effect this issue has on musicians. Stay tuned!

# May 5, 2012 @ 10:34 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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