The dispute surrounding Darkside Records has widened, with several bands now publicly announcing that they have ended, or consider themselves no longer bound by, their agreements with the label.
The latest statements follow a collective declaration published earlier this month by bands including Anemoya, Catharsis, Maddox Theory, DUSK and Mythos, alongside several other artists. The group accused Darkside Records and its representative Saïd Chebacheb of repeatedly failing to meet commitments involving physical releases, payments, distribution, promotion and live shows. The bands said they had tried to resolve the issues privately for months before deciding to speak publicly.
Since then, a number of those involved have issued their own statements.
DUSK announced that they were terminating their contract with Darkside Records, which they say was signed on 22 December 2025 for the release of their forthcoming EP, Man Made Monster.
According to DUSK, the band completed its own commitments by recording and mixing the material and keeping the label informed of its progress. They allege that commitments made to them in writing, including financial support for the recording, promotion and an introduction to a graphic designer for the artwork, were not fulfilled despite repeated follow-ups.
“We have made the decision to terminate this contract,” the band said. DUSK added that, following the notice period they provided and after hearing similar accounts from other artists, they consider themselves free to release the material through another party.
Egyptian band Maddox Theory have also declared themselves independent and said they are no longer represented by Darkside Records or Chebacheb.
Their statement raises additional questions about the agreement under which their recent EP, Kamidogu, was released. The band claim that Darkside Records’ website and staff email accounts had ceased functioning by mid-July and argue that the document they signed should not be regarded as legally binding. They also allege that the document was generated using AI.
Of more immediate concern to the band is Kamidogu itself. Maddox Theory say Darkside Records still controls rights connected to the EP and have asked listeners not to stream it until they recover those rights. The record was released earlier this year through Darkside Records Europe.
Hëllridër have issued a similar independence announcement, stating that their relationship with Darkside Records has ended with immediate effect.
The Egyptian band allege that the label failed to meet terms concerning marketing, promotion, international bookings and financial reporting. They also claim agreed payments were repeatedly delayed and that communication deteriorated to the point where band members were removed from a WhatsApp group used by the parties.
Hëllridër say they sought legal advice over their contract and were advised that they were not required to continue under it.
The band also publicly backed the other musicians who have come forward, saying they stand with artists they believe have been affected by Darkside Records.
Mythos have taken a less detailed approach to their departure. The Egyptian band confirmed that their relationship with Darkside Records has ended but said they preferred to keep the circumstances surrounding their own professional relationships private.
At the same time, Mythos expressed support for other bands that have described financial losses, delays, broken promises and poor communication.
“We stand firmly behind our friends and fellow bands who have been directly affected, financially and otherwise, by the broken promises, delays, and lack of communication during critical moments,” the band said.
Anemoya were among the bands that joined the original collective statement, while other acts have also come forward with accounts of disputes involving Darkside Records.
The fallout has also begun affecting music already available through streaming services. Italian band Antiquus Infestus said it had successfully requested the removal of its music from Spotify after providing the platform with documentation relating to its dispute. The band said it is also pursuing action on other digital services.
The current wave of departures is not the first time a band has left Darkside Records this year, although the circumstances have not always been the same. In May, Tunisian band Primordial Black announced that Heterotopia would be their final release with Darkside Records. That separation was presented publicly as mutual and amicable, with the band thanking the label for its support. Primordial Black did not make allegations of the kind now being raised by the bands involved in the September statements.
Darkside Records has previously described itself as operating across North Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the United States, and has claimed involvement with more than 70 artists and over 300 concerts and events since its foundation.
AFRICA.ROCKS contacted Darkside Records before publication and invited them to respond to the allegations, with the intention of including their account in this report. No response had been received at the time of publication. We remain available to publish their response and will update this article should one be provided.
