Mask-loving Iowan metal band Slipknot performed on Monday night at Athens, Greece's open-air Lykavittos Theatre as planned, despite the best efforts of local church officials, who'd urged the show's organizers to cancel the concert.

Officials from Greece's Orthodox Church tried to prevent Slipknot from taking the stage, and accused the band of advocating devil worship, according to The Associated Press. In a statement to the media, the church -- pointing to the band's violent, suggestive lyrics that reference the devil, as well as their onstage adornments -- said "public institutions must do their duty and protect Greek citizens from any public event that promotes Satanism."

The statement continued that "the members of the band have a shocking appearance, wearing black uniforms and masks that look like skulls."

The members of Slipknot are rarely seen in public sans their token black jumpsuits and homemade, Halloween-esque masks. The band is currently on a world tour that is set to make additional European stops, and will then proceed to Japan and the U.S.

A spokesperson for the band could not be reached for comment.