RIPPED TO SHREDS’ Andrew Lee Addresses Controversy Involving Master And Metal Threat Fest

Andrew Lee, vocalist and guitarist of death metal band Ripped To Shreds, has issued a statement in response to the ongoing controversy involving Master, the recent Metal Threat Fest, and ties to the white supremacist band Arghoslent.

The issue began when Master performed at the 2025 Metal Threat Fest, which also featured Arghoslent on a separate day. Ripped To Shreds had been scheduled to play a different show with Master, but canceled their appearance after learning of the band’s decision to remain on the festival bill. Following that decision, online criticism surfaced accusing Lee of hypocrisy for working with individuals allegedly connected to Arghoslent.

In a lengthy statement shared online, Lee offered clarification and defended his stance:

“The drummer of Twisted Tower Dire played in Arghoslent in the 90s, and quit in ’96, because he did not want to be associated with their racist rhetoric. Neither Marc nor TTD have had any association with Arghoslent or Grand Belial’s Key in the 25 plus years since, openly committed to being anti-racist in interviews, and that was a point Nameless Grave Records (Brandon and Andrew) insisted on confirming multiple times before committing to working with TTD.

Brandon’s conversation with Chris Eakes (Exaugarate) seven years ago was deceptively edited by him to show Brandon in the worst possible light, as the two were talking about why openly displaying racist merch emboldens racists. In the same conversation, Brandon specifically stated that Chris’ himself wearing a GBK shirt while performing was just as bad as wearing an Arghoslent one. We’re not interested in policing whatever merch someone owns in their own homes and never takes outside. You can read the full conversation with context below.

I wouldn’t have objected to performing with Master if they had played this festival lineup a few years ago and apologized for playing with openly white power bands. But they did so literally yesterday, while being proud about it, and that’s not acceptable. Not only that, the drummer (Ruston Grosse) accused us of being paid to spread “anti white” propaganda, which is absurd.

Note: even in an interview with Arghoslent themselves, they said Marc quit because he didn’t agree with their political views.”

The statement has sparked widespread discussion throughout the metal community about accountability, scene ethics, and how artists should navigate performing alongside bands with extremist affiliations.

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