This week’s edition of Black Metal Friday is a tribute to our friends Belphegor for carrying the torch of black metal in the face of religious zealotry. You see, while on tour in Russia recently, Belphegor frontman Helmuth was accosted by a fanatic from the Russian Orthodox Church who spat in his face and attempted to incite a physical confrontation. You can see the complete video of the incident here below.

Helmuth responded by returning the favor, spitting back in the lunatic’s face. However, much to the Austrian singer/guitarist’s credit, he turned and began to walk away from the attacker, taking the higher road and probably averting an international incident and possible imprisonment.

Hellbent on violence, the Russian maniac followed the band and their crew all the way to their transport van continuing to try and escalate the situation. Guitarist Karl Sanders from death metal legends Nile, who are Belphegor’s current tour mates, can be seen acting as a buffer between the man and Helmuth repeatedly telling him, “It’s not gonna happen.” Lucky for the Russian, since Sanders holds a black belt in taekwondo!

At any rate, kudos to both Belphegor and Nile as well as their crews for taking the high road and not propogating negative stereotypes by taking the guy apart. Here is a sample of the anti-Christian sentiment that had the comrade so worked up. This is “In Blood, Devour This Sanctity” from Belphegor’s ninth studio album 2011’s Blood Magick Necromance.

Belphegor “In Blood, Devour This Sanctity” (Official Video)

Belphegor Frontman Attacked By Russian Orthodox Fanatic