Houston, TX-based black metal band Martyrdom have issued an apology after incorporating a severed pig's head into a recent set they played at a local venue.
Supporting headliners Devoured Trachea and Accosted last Friday night (January 19) at the White Swan Live, social media footage shows a severed pig's head being thrown toward the back of the crowd while Martyrdom performed. As one disembodied voice in the captured footage notes, "Gross!"
Following backlash from various communities and attendees who were understandably nauseated, the band have issued a statement apologizing.
"We just want to start off by saying we are incredibly sorry to anyone we offended with our actions and gimmicks on stage," Martyrdom wrote [via Lambgoat]. "We are a black metal band, and as part of it, we try to add a little bit of imagery and shock value to our set. Unfortunately our acts have gotten carried away and way out of hand, offending many and even harming some."
They added, "We want to apologize to any vegans, Muslims, or other minority groups we may have offended, and to anyone who was harmed by our act. Most importantly we want to apologize to the White Swan, and Harry, the sound guy, specifically," going on to thank the venue for giving them the opportunity to perform there.