Regain Records shoots down 'misleading rumors' spread by former Gorgoroth members
Former members of the Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth and the Swedish record label Regain Records have issued separate statements regarding the resolution of their legal dispute over the release of the allegedly unauthorized release of Gorgoroth's "Live in Grieghallen" album via Regain. Both statements appear in their entirety below.
Statement from former Gorgoroth members King (real name: Tom Cato Visnes) and Gaahl (real name: Kristian Espedal):
"On December 17, 2009, authorities in Malmö, Sweden decided in favor of King and Gaahl in their case brought against Regain Records for the unauthorized release of Gorgoroth's 'Live in Grieghallen' album. Regain Records has been found to have broken their contract with King/Gaahl on numerous accounts, has been forbidden by the courts to sell this album in the future and has been ordered to pay all legal costs and compensation in the case.
"In anticipation of the verdict, Regain Records filed bankruptcy to Lund Tingsrett in Sweden and was declared bankrupt on December 8, 2009 (Regain Records and Entertainment Ab corporate identity number 556689-1825). Peter Överman from Ackordcentralen, Sweden is named as liquidator and is now working on getting an overview of Regain's financial situation as well as handling the claims from Gaahl and King on unpaid royalties, among other claims."
Statement from Regain Records:
"Due to misleading rumors being spread through God Seed's [King and Gaahl's post-Gorgoroth project] MySpace page regarding the bankruptcy of Regain Records, we would like to clarify to all who have contacted us recently that Regain Records is not in bankruptcy.
"We would also like to make clear that the dispute that concerns 'Live In Grieghallen' only involves Tom Cato Visnes (a.k.a. King Ov Hell), Regain Records and Entertainment Ab, since a settlement with Kristian Espedal (a.k.a. Gaahl) was already reached in 2009. The legal outcome of this trial has no bearing on Regain Records nor does it influence our future in any way. It is also incorrect that Regain Records owes any unpaid royalties to Tom Cato Visnes or Kristian Espedal.
"Furthermore, Regain Records is very content with the fact that we are still working with the band Gorgoroth and the fact that we choose to support the rightful owner of the trademark, namely Roger Tiegs (a.k.a. Infernus). This has always been our main priority during the various legal proceedings which have involved Gorgoroth in one way or another."
Statement from former Gorgoroth members King (real name: Tom Cato Visnes) and Gaahl (real name: Kristian Espedal):
"On December 17, 2009, authorities in Malmö, Sweden decided in favor of King and Gaahl in their case brought against Regain Records for the unauthorized release of Gorgoroth's 'Live in Grieghallen' album. Regain Records has been found to have broken their contract with King/Gaahl on numerous accounts, has been forbidden by the courts to sell this album in the future and has been ordered to pay all legal costs and compensation in the case.
"In anticipation of the verdict, Regain Records filed bankruptcy to Lund Tingsrett in Sweden and was declared bankrupt on December 8, 2009 (Regain Records and Entertainment Ab corporate identity number 556689-1825). Peter Överman from Ackordcentralen, Sweden is named as liquidator and is now working on getting an overview of Regain's financial situation as well as handling the claims from Gaahl and King on unpaid royalties, among other claims."
Statement from Regain Records:
"Due to misleading rumors being spread through God Seed's [King and Gaahl's post-Gorgoroth project] MySpace page regarding the bankruptcy of Regain Records, we would like to clarify to all who have contacted us recently that Regain Records is not in bankruptcy.
"We would also like to make clear that the dispute that concerns 'Live In Grieghallen' only involves Tom Cato Visnes (a.k.a. King Ov Hell), Regain Records and Entertainment Ab, since a settlement with Kristian Espedal (a.k.a. Gaahl) was already reached in 2009. The legal outcome of this trial has no bearing on Regain Records nor does it influence our future in any way. It is also incorrect that Regain Records owes any unpaid royalties to Tom Cato Visnes or Kristian Espedal.
"Furthermore, Regain Records is very content with the fact that we are still working with the band Gorgoroth and the fact that we choose to support the rightful owner of the trademark, namely Roger Tiegs (a.k.a. Infernus). This has always been our main priority during the various legal proceedings which have involved Gorgoroth in one way or another."