Aural Aggravation

Having previously featured DYMNA LOTVA, we feel it appropriate to share in these increasingly dark and oppressive times…

Belarus expatriates DYMNA LOTVA have learned through opposition channels that some of their music videos have meanwhile been legally categorised as ‘extremist materials’ by a court in their home country.

For those interested in the political situation in Belarus, the Council of the European Union provides an official view: www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/belarus

DYMNA LOTVA released the following statement: “On December 8, 2025, several of our music and concert videos were officially deemed ‘extremist materials’ by a court in Belarus”, vocalist Katsiaryna “Nokt Aeon” Mankevich wrote. “This means that fans from our home country, who liked, reposted or commented on these videos in the past are now facing a real risk to disappear into a prison. The rule of law does not apply in Belarus. Just one like under a video that has only now been designated as ‘extremist material’ might mean time in jail. We are obviously worried about those that we had to leave behind at home when we escaped persecution by the regime. But personally we feel honoured to be listed alongside the best of Belarusian artists, writers, and musicians. To our knowledge, our songs ‘Zhyvi’ and ‘Death Kisses Your Eyes’ are the first music videos of the metal genre to be officially deemed extremist materials in Belarus. We also like the fact that the regime appears to be disturbed by our live shows. Long live Belarus! Fuck Lukashenka! Fuck Putin! Fuck dictators!”

Martin Koller comments: “It has always been the policy of Prophecy Productions to grant full support to every band on our roster and to offer a safe environment for their art”, the label founder and owner states. “We condemn any censorship of art and music in general and against Dymna Lotva in particular. We will do everything in our power to make their songs heard everywhere. Prophecy Productions stands firmly in support of freedom of expression and freedom of art. We reject censorship and political oppression, and we will continue to support Dymna Lotva without any reservation!”

At Aural Aggravation, we also reject censorship and political oppression, and would like to think our position on political matters is fairly clear on account of previous posts (and wonder if this is why the bombardment of hits to our home page from the US is entirely coincidental). As such, want to show our solidarity with DYMNA LOTVA.

AA