German progressive dying metallers Obscura‘s newest single “Evenfall” has drawn some controversy, with Exist‘s bassist/vocalist Alex Weber and vocalist/guitarist Max Phelps insisting that the monitor is has been “stolen”. Per two posts on social media from the aforementioned pair, Obscura mastermind Steffen Kummerer is claimed to have lifted the concepts from Weber, who served a number of stints within the band over the previous few years.
Following the January 08th debut of “Evenfall” earlier this week, Weber took to social media to name out Kummerer for the alleged theft, sharing each an announcement and under video comparability.
Basically Weber claims to have offered the concepts to Obscura for potential utilization on the band’s forthcoming album “A Sonication“, however upon exiting the fold, was assured his instructed contributions wouldn’t be included. Weber relayed of that:
“I used to be REALLY hoping it wouldn’t come to this… I’m not one to create drama and stir the pot unnecessarily however I’m unhappy to listen to that the brand new Obscura tune incorporates melodies that I wrote and melodies that I didn’t give Steffen permission to make use of. Earlier than all of us left the band we acquired written affirmation that the fabric we contributed to the report wouldn’t be used however this video exhibits clearly that my melody was used word for word.
It might have been one factor if I used to be credited for this or had given him written permission to make use of it, however that was not the case. It’s not about cash and even being that connected to the melody, it’s a matter of precept and mental property theft.
I do know due to deadlines, that Steffen was in a troublesome place once we all left the band however now i’m involved that extra of the music that Chris and I wrote for this album will nonetheless be used with out our consent.
I’m at all times extra for going the compassionate route however I don’t admire how this case has been handled. It’s NOT okay to make use of another person’s music no matter how a lot or how little was used, particularly with out credit score.”
Now Weber‘s Exist bandmate Max Phelps has additionally come ahead over the allegations, revealing that the elements in query have been already within the course of of constructing their approach into a brand new Exist tune. Phelps said at the moment, January tenth:
“I’ve by no means wished to make a submit like this, however I’ve acquired to again up my brother on it…the brand new Obscura tune is stolen. Alex introduced the elements in query to the desk some time in the past and we had presently been working them into an Exist association, so I’m personally very accustomed to them. I’d even argue that Alex undermined the extent of the plagiarism in his wording…it goes past the melody to the rhythmic concepts and improvement at any time when that melody happens. It’s not simply the bassline, it’s the guitars and drum line as nicely. Listed below are the elements which might be plagiarized:
0:00 – 1:15
2:14 – 2:34
4:49 – 5:35That’s 2.5 minutes of a 5.5 minute tune. These weren’t Steffen‘s to make use of and now he’s making an attempt to blow Alex off by claiming that he ‘modified them dramatically’. He didn’t… it’s not even remotely subjective and there are copyright violations on a regular basis over musical concepts which might be far greater stretches.
I do wish to make clear that Steffen has been an excellent buddy of mine for years and has achieved a number of solids for Alex, myself and Exist together with taking us on tour even when our band actually didn’t have a lot traction. Neither of us take this with no consideration, which sadly makes this much more of a heel flip and an enormous disappointment.
If Alex nonetheless desires to make use of the riffs then we nonetheless will use them and there’s nothing Steffen can do as a result of they’re legally not his or his report label’s mental property. On a aspect word, Robin Zielhorst is superior and I really feel dangerous if he and the opposite new dudes are getting tangled on this.”
Neither Obscura or Kummerer seem to have publicly responded to the allegations as of press time.
