The Liverpool Echo has reported the following story about doom rockers Anathema being forced to cancel a show over allegations that they worship Satan:

A Liverpool band about to play to more than 1,000 fans in Tunisia had the plug pulled on their concert when authorities believed rumors they were Satanists.

Anfield group Anathema were ready to perform a sold out gig in the capital Tunis when they were told they could not go ahead.

They hoped to reschedule for a couple of night later but the gig was canceled a second time.

Guitar technician Darryl Anthony wrote in his blog: “Our promoter informed us that somebody has informed the Tunisian interior ministry that Anathema are Satan worshipers who eat black cats and drink their blood.

“The ministry have requested song lyrics to peruse over the weekend in order to put their minds at rest.”

Anathema formed in 1990 and have released a number of critically acclaimed albums, and although their roots are in dark heavy metal their sound has evolved over the years to a more melodic rock sound.

Their lyrics, often focusing on love and loss, have never been a matter of controversy and they often play special gigs with accompaniment from friends in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.