The dust has settled on the English leg of the DIOCLETIAN tour. Five dates of utter devastation across the country. Filling venues to capacity almost every night, with those who missed out eager for more. Ending the tour with the debut UK performance of ABRAXXUM was an inspired conclusion, but each and every show delivered an unyielding Antipodean assault.

There were a handful who did not want this tour to proceed. Fabricating “concerns” with the aid of AI and anonymous remailers. “Facts” that fell apart upon the slightest scrutiny. Clandestine collusion and censorious reporting of social media posts.

None of these allegations were ever made directly, where dialogue could have demonstrated credence to their credibility. No will to communicate beyond copy-paste. Just pitiful, and ultimately futile, attempts to silence.

For this I am grateful for the venues and promoters who stood their ground when faced with such hearsay. Those who raised their business-bound concerns and listened to our counterpoint, making informed decisions once all arguments were aired. The audience also made themselves heard, sick of such slacktivism and collectively stating their case. This succession of sold-out shows offers far more substance than the shallow spite of the saboteur.

Thanks also to TRIVAX, whose members have faced genuine oppression in their homelands, and in turn deliver the greatest exultation of Freedom with every performance. It was a privilege to perceive their Persian perspective, and reflect upon the geopolitics that empower their incendiary stance.

War Metal has a reputation for expressing the “supreme authority” of violence, yet these shows occurred against a backdrop of actual conflict. Increased tensions across the global stage threaten to drag all into armageddon, and such music must present cathartic soundtrack to these uncertain times.

Without doubt, the tour was a tremendous success, despite totalitarian efforts to shut it down. Future shows are planned, if not announced already, and HeathenStorm Productions thrive in tireless tenacity. Without backing down. Without compromise. Without surrender.

If anyone took video footage or photos from the tour, please let us know.