Architecture of Aggression will unfortunately not be performing at Thorn fest 2011 as previously advertised.

On receiving the performance contract and performance time on the 14th of December 2010, Architecture of Aggression queried certain clauses within the contract as well as the performance time. Negotiation was requested on both points.

The Performance contract was understood as being very one sided in Thorn fest and its promoters favor and should any breach occur, Architecture of Aggression would be held responsible on all accounts even if Thorn fest or its promoters committed any breach of contract. There were other clauses which Architecture of Aggression could not agree to signing.

Architecture of Aggression were informed that the contract and performance time is non negotiable and that by the end of the business day on the 14th of December 2010 all contracts had to be signed and agreed upon, this was stated to be the deadline, even though Architecture of Aggression had only received the contract that same day. As Architecture of Aggression had not agreed to sign the contract and its terms or agreed to the performance time by the end of the business day on the 14th of December 2010 they were therefore removed from the line up for Thorn fest 2011.

“We are very unhappy with this turn of events. It felt like we were being bullied into signing a contract that did not uphold the interests of both parties as equal. It felt like pure exploitation. As a band and as musicians we are not willing to compromise ourselves in such a way. Unfortunately South African Metal festivals have a history and tendency to exploit local bands. This only brings down the music scene instead of building it up. We apologize to all of our fans that were looking forward to our performance at Thorn fest 2011″.-A.O.A.