BEHEMOTH “The Apostasy” /CD/

Official merch. 
50% Polyester. 50% Cotton. Heavy Blend.
Gildan. Made in Honduras. 
JSR Merchandising (BEH183). Printed in USA.

Official merch. 
50% Polyester. 50% Cotton. 
Augusta. Made in Mexico. 
JSR Merchandising (BEH184). Printed in USA.

The tenth full-length album by the cult Polish Black/Death Metal band.
Given that "The Satanist" is not only the first album by Polish firebrands Behemoth in five years but also their first since frontman Nergal was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010, you might expect them to be restless at the start, to burst open in a characteristic tangle of Extreme Metal. But they begin slowly, a sinister riff cutting patiently through open air. The drums march rather than maraud, while the bass pads the pocket. It feels like the preamble of a classic Rock anthem, perhaps the sequel to “Hells Bells”. But really, Behemoth want to make sure you can hear Nergal and understand him when he opens with purely heretic invective. Rather than emerge as though they have something to prove through speed and precision, one of Heavy Metal’s most popular bands elects to return with something to say that’s as vile and startling as most any moment in their previously impious two decades. Even the precipice of death, Nergal implies, didn’t soften his sacrilege. "The Satanist" in many ways reflects a synthesis of their stepwise, two-decade journey between atavistic Black Metal, expert Death Metal and a mid-career hybrid of the two. "The Satanist" doesn’t give up on high-end recording; in fact, with its occasional exultant choirs, horn fanfares, and acoustic interludes, it’s a complex and deliberate affair. This time, the sheen only highlights what’s beneath the surface, revealing these songs’ eccentricities and thrills rather than buffing them out.
Nergal is careful to stretch his style sheet of references beyond the Devil and Christ; he folds Latin and Coptic concepts into these lines, even nodding to John Milton in one passing moment. There was some doubt, after all, if Nergal would even live long enough to make another album. And there was certainly more doubt than hope that, if Behemoth did finish a tenth record, it would stand somehow as a late-career renaissance. But "The Satanist" is a terrific coil of most everything Behemoth have ever done well, a strangely hopeful vision of hell wrested away from its very grip. A vital, crushing monster of an album, it feels as though the band is digging deep here, tapping into hidden reserves of infernal power to deliver an album of profane and powerful sonic destruction! Behemoth sound revitalized and ready to destroy everything that stands in their path, and fans should be ready to either go along for the ride or be crushed!!
Nuclear Blast GmbH/High Fidelity Ltd./Raven Music, 2014 (STAR01CD). Made in Israel.


Tracklist:
1. Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel 4:25
2. Furor Divinus 3:06
3. Messe Noire 4:05
4. Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer 5:35
5. Amen 3:49
6. The Satanist 5:34
7. Ben Sahar 5:35
8. In The Absence Ov Light 4:58
9. O Father O Satan O Sun 7:13
Total playing time: 44:20


Samples: http://www.last.fm

The seventh full-length studio album by legendary Polish Black/Death Metal band.
"Demigod" is one of the heaviest albums of the band. The production on this release is crystal clear, which means that we get to hear everything perfectly. This adds to the sheer immensity of the album.
The drum work of Inferno is unbelievably fast in songs like "Demigod" and the mighty "Slaves Shall Serve". The guitar riffs are intense and furious with "The Nephilim Rising" standing out. The opening riff to this song sounds like it was created in the fires of hell and it is one of the stand out songs on the album. The vocals garnered mixed reception upon the album's release. Nergal's layered growls polarized fans with some taking a strong dislike. Do not listen to these critics. This effect makes the vocals sound more demonic, unnerving, and appropriate to the music. "Towards Babylon" is the most brutal track on the album and this is mainly due to the vocals. Nergal sounds like he is commanding you to bow down before him with his hellish growls. The blast beats and guitar riffs make this song a formidable listen, and a clean pair of pants is needed after this one. The technicality of the guitars is mainly showcased in "Xul", a beast of a track that features a guest appearance from Karl Sanders (Nile), a genius in complexity. 
There are some interesting instruments on this record, such as a horn at the start of the title track. Although most of the album is more about overall heaviness than atmospherics, there are some brilliant little moments of experimenting. Some eerie ambiance at the end of the final track closes the album perfectly.
Production-wise, "Demigod" is probably about as heavy as it gets. Pristine, intense, and intimidating, it truly is a force to be reckoned with! Virgin listeners beware!!
Regain Records, 2004 (RR 048). Made in Sweden. Pressed in Czech.


Tracklist:
1. Sculpting the Throne ov Seth 04:41 
2. Demigod 03:31 
3. Conquer All 03:30 
4. The Nephilim Rising 04:21 
5. Towards Babylon 03:22 
6. Before the Æons Came 02:58 
7. Mysterium Coniunctionis (Hermanubis) 03:41 
8. XUL 03:11 
9. Slaves Shall Serve 03:05 
10. The Reign ov Shemsu-Hor 08:27
Total playing time: 40:47 min.

64mm x 64mm