Origin: Poland
Genre: Blackened Death Metal
Released: February 3rd, 2014 on Nuclear Blast Records
So here we are again, listening to the latest and highly anticipated Behemoth album. This is Behemoth’s tenth album since forming in 1991, and this is the first release since Adam “Nergal” Darski’s victory over leukemia.
All of the trademark Behemoth traits are here, in The Satanist, the ferocious roaring of Nergal, the amazing yet intense drumming of Inferno, the signature tremolo riffing, and the dark, anti-religious atmosphere. The Satanist does not, however, rely on insane, intensity and brutality 100% of the time. There are some really fantastic moments of mid-paced melody that complement the blackened death metal style. Other fans/reviewers might criticize this melody as “slow”, but I find that it adds an element of dark foreboding to an already dark and incensed style. There are even some solo breaks in this album!!
This album, even with the pretty extensive hype, is pretty awesome. It hits all of the things that I really like in the land of metal. It is intense, it has catchiness, it has atmosphere, and it is fun. I can’t recommend this one enough. It’ll be in a lot of “Best metal albums of 2014” lists. There isn’t a bad track on the album.
RIYL: Belphegor, Hate, Vader, Vesania, Nile
Recommended Tracks:
6. The Satanist
Adam “Nergal” Darski – Guitars, Vocals
Patryk Dominik Sztyber “Seth” – Guitars, Backing vocals
Tomasz “Orion” Wróblewski – Bass, Backing vocals
“Inferno” Zbigniew Robert Promiński – Drums