VADER is on the list of 228 metal bands banned in Islamic Malaysia. The National Fatwa Council issued the religious decree against the "black metal cult", citing practices in which members stamp on the holy Koran, drink alcohol and freely engage in sex. Council chair Shukor Husin said the cult's practices, based on US rock band Metallica which has used symbols including an inverted cross, went against the teachings of Islam and could propel a Muslim out of the religion. However he said, merely listening to heavy metal songs was not a crime.