Egyptian metal band Anemoya has declared itself an independent band as of 16 September 2026, officially ending its association with Darkside Records. Rock Era Magazine publishes the band’s statement below, in solidarity with the artists who have come forward about their experiences with the label.
The band says the decision followed a prolonged period of unfulfilled promises, unmet commitments, fundamental differences in business goals, and an unacceptable lack of communication from the label’s end. Over time, it says, these circumstances increasingly hindered its ability to pursue its vision, make progress, and take the steps it believed were necessary for the band’s growth.
According to Anemoya, what ultimately brought matters into perspective was an awakening that came through conversations with multiple bands who had shared similar experiences. By reaching out to one another and comparing accounts, the band began to recognise recurring patterns of conduct and treatment that raised serious concerns about the way the label conducted its affairs with the artists under its umbrella.
“Anemoya declares itself an independent band as of September 16th, 2026, officially ending its association with Darkside Records.
This decision comes after a prolonged period of unfulfilled promises, unmet commitments, fundamental differences in business goals, and an unacceptable lack of communication from the label’s end. Over time, these circumstances increasingly hindered our ability to pursue our vision, make progress, and take the steps we believed were necessary for the band’s growth.
What ultimately brought matters into perspective was an awakening that came through conversations with multiple bands who had shared similar experiences. By reaching out to one another and comparing accounts, we began to recognize recurring patterns of conduct and treatment that raised serious concerns about the way the label conducted its affairs with the artists under its umbrella.
We refuse to let circumstances beyond our control continue to dictate the direction or limit the potential of Anemoya. Our music, our vision, and our future deserve better.
This is not the end of a journey, but the end of a chapter that has gone on longer than it should have.
We are independent now. We are moving forward on our own terms.
Further statements and clarifications regarding this matter will follow in due course.”
Anemoya’s statement adds another band’s voice to the accounts Rock Era Magazine has been publishing. The band says it reached its decision by comparing experiences with other artists, which echoes what other bands in this coverage have described.
Darkside Records published its own statement responding to the bands who have spoken out. Rock Era Magazine has published that statement in full, and we will continue to publish verified accounts and responses from every side.
We stand in solidarity with Anemoya and wish the band well as it moves forward independently. The band has said further statements and clarifications will follow, and we will share them when they arrive.
