On Friday (7) we found out Brutal Records owner Michael Howard and publishing company Risky Music sent a cease and desist letter to Metallica claiming the band stole riffs from Opprobium’s (formerly known as Incubus) song “Hunger For Power” to use in Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’s “Moth Into Flame” and “Spit Out the Bone.” Exclaim! Initially found the documents that led to the alleged claim and now considers it as an “elaborate hoax.” As soon as the band discovered this news, they assured they had nothing to do with it.
The group stated the following on their Facebook:
“ATTENTION, ATTENTION to all Metal Magazines around the world and all our fans. It’s been circulating that supposedly an “individual” is claiming that Metallica copied one of our songs called ” Hunger For Power” and that this individual supposedly sent a “Cease and Desist” to Metallica.
To all OPPROBRIUM fans and Metallica Fans , we OPPROBRIUM would never send a “Cease and Desist” to Metallica. We OPPROBRIUM have nothing to do with this. We love Metallica and we are fans of Metallica ourselves.
We do not know the reason why this news is spreading. WE LOVE METALLICA and are Fans of Metallica and would never do such a thing against Metallica.
This individual is claiming that he holds the rights to one of our song ” Hunger For Power”, and it’s NOT TRUE. We Opprobrium hold ALL the rights to all our songs.
This individual is spreading lies behind our backs. We OPPROBRIUM are surprise concerning this, and are very sad.
WE OPPROBRIUM LOVE METALLICA AND WOULD NEVER DO SUCH A THING TO METALLICA.
OPPROBRIUM does not support this individual nor are we responsible for the actions taken by this “individual”.
We OPPROBRIUM are on the side of Metallica and NOT on the side of this individual that is spreading this LIE.
Below is a link of some of the news that is spreading around.
Thanks to all OPPROBRIUM and METALLICA fans, and please keep in mind that this individual is doing this on his own and we (OPPROBRIUM) have NOTHING to do with this. This is a very sad day for our band.”
Despite the band stating Metallica didn’t steal anything from them, Brutal Records continue to state accusations on their Twitter backing their claim.
Hunger for Power > 0:22 to 0:38 @BrutalRecordsUS Moth into Flame > 1:28 to 1:35 > 2:29 to 2:37 < 4:27to 4:37 > 4:59 to 5:08
— Brutal Records (@BrutalRecordsUS) April 8, 2017
DID @Metallica RIP OFF OTHER BANDS ? CHECK THESE OUT! https://t.co/9xCdwZhEGC
— Brutal Records (@BrutalRecordsUS) April 9, 2017
