There is nothing more fun than a good, old-fashioned Norwegian black metal band lawsuit
Question: What could possibly be more fun than a good old rock and roll lawsuit between band members?
Answer: A Norwegian black metal band lawsuit.
Blabbermouth is one of my sources for news concerning Norwegian black metal bands and, that’s where I found info about the outcome of the recent litigation between members of the band, GORGOROTH.
Evidently, King ov Hell (bass player) went behind the back of Infernus (guitar player) and secretly applied for trademark protection of the band name and logo.
Logo…
Infernus then filed suit against King ov Hell who, it seems was in cahoots with Gaahl (singer).
At the end of the day, the court decided in favor of Infernus, who released this statement.
“The court has decided that King ov Hell’s trademark registration of the band name GORGOROTH is NOT valid and shall therefore be deleted. The court states that King ov Hell and Gaahl excluded themselves from the band GORGOROTH when they tried to fire Infernus in October 2007. The court further states that Infernus cannot be excluded from GORGOROTH, unless he himself decides to quit.”
Props to Infernus for sparing us the legalese.
King ov Hell and Gaahl have released their own statement…
“Regarding the recent court case over the use of the name GORGOROTH, Gaahl and King confirm that parts of the verdict have been decided and went in favor of Infernus. This is only a partial verdict on the case. Because of the complexity of this case, there will be further court hearings and the final verdict will be announced within a few weeks.
“The judge came to the conclusion that it is impossible to kick out an original member even if he doesn’t contribute musically or lyrically. The judge also states that one can’t kick an original member out of a band even if that member performs actions which are viewed as disrespectful towards promoters, session members and other working partners.
“Gaahl and King wish Infernus the best of luck using the banner of GORGOROTH on his art.
“Gaahl and King will still present the art they are known for creating in GORGOROTH albeit under another banner. The new name will be announced shortly.”
Well, all in all it seems like King ov Hell and Gaahl are accepting the decision like the grown-ups that they are. Reading in to it, I sense that there may be just a tad of lingering bitterness. But, after all, that’s to be expected in such a complex case.
The important thing is that it looks like Infernus, King ov Hell and Gaahl have, at least, taken the right steps here and allowed the court to reach an agreement which was obviously outside the realm of what they would be able to settle on their own. And now, all parties can move forward.
So, as the sun sets on another day, and despite a bit of turmoil, once again all is well and once again Norwegian black metal band Land, is a happy place.
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