Review by Stephen Pedicino
I am utterly breathless. Behemoth has proven yet again that they deserve the throne of contemporary death metal. This cd crushes like a sledgehammer yet flows like a mountain river. Actually, that’s the combination Behemoth have always delivered to my ears. Their sense of rhythm and unrelenting viciousness becomes more lucid and developed with every release.
No aspect of this album will leave the listener disappointed, and I can often be critical when it comes to Black/Death metal! The intro, “Rome 64 C.E.”, is short yet extended enough to captivate an audience and engulf them into an atmosphere. Foreboding and wicked, I clench my fists to ready myself for a splintering concord of brutality.
“Slaying the Prophet Ov Isa” opens with blastbeats from the bands hammerhead, Inferno. They merge into a crushing riff that just pleads your head to bang. This track has an added flavor of classical horns and the use of a choir. Both are used beautifully to complement to intensity of Behemoth. “Prometherion” was imparted prior to the albums release as a teaser. This is an unmistakable Behemoth track. Very old-school refrain with incredible drumming and guitar work. By this point, you’ll probably have noticed that Nergal’s vocals have improved beyond his efforts on their last album, Demigod. And if you haven’t seen the video yet, check it out!
An unexpected intro hits the listener with “At the Left Hand ov God.” Acoustic guitars are accompanied with clean electric. Its very mystical and almost gentle, making this record all the more unique. Overall, this is a slower track with some cool solos sandwiched in the middle…… How often do you hear sandwich in a death metal review? My apologies.
“Kriegsphilosophie”, which I’ll admit I had to copy and paste into this review, unfurls with a powerful punch. Infernos’s technicality really shines here. One of the standouts of the track I’d say. Again, classical strings are faintly used in the background. The mixing of this album is fantastic, as is everything else. Midway through, a very haunting riff surges through your speakers, as some cool arpeggios lead into solos. An outstanding track
“Be Without Fear” is an old-school crusher. There are some cool mythological references in the lyrics.
“Feed my flame! Leviathan. Rape these wounds! Asmodeus. Raise me high! Belial. Through thy rage my will manifests.” (Beyond my understanding. But very cool)
“Inner Sanctum” has a choad of a piano intro that leads into one of the coolest Behemoth tracks ever. It bears the pleasant surprise guest-vocals from Nevermore’s Warrell Dane. Funny… as I was listening to the song I was thinking that his vocals would fit well here. I was stoked to actually here them when they came! Definitely one of the lighter and more dramatic tracks in their arsenal, but extremely well-written and also technical.
“Pazuzu” may sound like a Sesame Street character, but really is a ball-buster. A chorus backs up Nergal’s vocals for this one. The closer of the album is “Christgrinding Avenue,” a track which I’m sure you would NEVER see on Pat Robertson’s Ipod(Although the idea is quite inspiring) The track has some beastly growls guaranteed to brown the pants of any emo-clown, and also terrific arpeggios. Its a very forthright track showcasing the savage tenacity of Behemoth. It pounds through your speakers and fades into a beautifully pale outro. At this point you might just shit your pants after realizing how brilliant this record is. I’m warning you!
Again, this record is amazing. My favorite from Behemoth,
and definitely an album anyone loyal to the genre should own. All elements
are stronger than ever, from technicality, raw power, and sheer variety.
Catch the Behemoth Fever!!!