The album is currently set to be released in Europe on 28 May 2007 with an American release following on 17 July. But the album has run into problems in the US, where the pressing plant handling the production of the album, Disc USA, has refused to handle the record due its ‘satanic’ and ‘anti-Christian’ perspective, according to an representative from their label, Earache.

“I thought the US was the land of the free. To try and cast any negative light on a minority view point such as ours is surely against their much vaunted and beheld first amendment,” was Akercocke frontman Jason Mendonca reaction to the news when he was interviewed by the magazine Metal Hammer.

“I rather perturbed that in this day and age, the 21st Century, people are so uptight. Whatever happened to freedom of speech and freedom of expression in the alleged democracy of the USA? Censorship is always ugly no matter how you view it. It smacks of fascism to me,” he stated.

“What other works of art are barred to the good people of America? The attitude of the printers is typical of the brainwashed. Judging something (literally) by its cover. Anyone who took the time to look into our history would recognise that we have always stated we are anything but anti-christian. It's divisive attitudes such as this that bring about conflict. Conflict through ignorance,” said Jason Mendonca.

In other news, the progressive black metallers from London have also caught the attention of Catholic Church in Northern Ireland. The band will take part in a live discussion on the ‘Nolan Live’ show on BBC1 Northern Ireland on 16 May 2007 at 10:45 pm with members of the Irish Catholic clergy.

About the band

Akercocke was formed in 1997 by guitarist Jason Mendonca and drummer and song writer David Gray. The band spent most of 1998 touring and developing a fan base. In 1999 they released their first record, 'Rape of the Bastard Nazarene' on their own Goat of Mendes record label. Critical acclaim followed, and Peaceville Records signed the band in 2000, with 'Goat of Mendes' coming out in 2001. Known for taking the stage in suits, Akercocke has created a niche in the scene. According to Metal Underground they are anticipated to "bring satanic metal to new heights".