Behemoth – Grom - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Poland

Genre : Black Death Metal

Release : 1996

Album Info / Review

Intro:
Behemoth’s 1996 sophomore effort, *Grom*, emerges from the Polish black metal scene like a frostbitten wolf emerging from a Siberian blizzard. This album represents a crucial evolutionary leap for the band, shedding some of the raw, almost demo-like aggression of their debut, *Sventevith (Stormblåst Year of the Wolf)*, and embracing a more defined, albeit still primal, sonic identity. Recorded at Selani Studio, the production, while not crystal clear, possesses a palpable grit that perfectly complements the icy, relentless assault Behemoth unleashes. *Grom* is a testament to their burgeoning mastery of atmosphere and ferocity, laying the groundwork for the more complex and epic soundscapes that would define their later career, yet it stands on its own as a potent and unyielding statement of intent.

Track Analysis:
“Intro” acts as a chilling harbinger, a sparse, atmospheric piece built on echoing wind sounds and a mournful, almost medieval-sounding synthesizer melody. It’s a deliberate descent into darkness, preparing the listener for the sonic onslaught to come.

“The Darkest Oath” explodes with a furious, tremolo-picked riff that immediately establishes the album’s aggressive core. Nergal’s vocals, a guttural roar tinged with a sinister rasp, are more prominent and commanding here than on their previous release. The drumming is a relentless barrage, with blast beats and double bass anchoring the chaotic yet surprisingly structured song.

“Besides the Great Weeping Moon” introduces a more melodic sensibility, albeit one steeped in melancholic despair. The guitar work, while still aggressive, weaves in more intricate patterns and dissonant harmonies, hinting at the band’s growing compositional depth. The mid-tempo sections provide a welcome, albeit brief, respite from the relentless pace, allowing the oppressive atmosphere to fully settle in.

“Chant for Ezkaton 2000 E.C.” is a brutal, mid-paced thrasher with a driving, almost tribal rhythm in its central section. The riffing is chunky and powerful, designed to incite headbanging. Nergal’s lyrical themes, exploring ancient paganism and cosmic dread, begin to take a more concrete shape here, adding intellectual weight to the sonic brutality.

“Grom” itself is the album’s namesake and a standout track. It’s an epic in miniature, building from a slow, crushing doom-laden opening into a furious black metal charge. The interplay between the driving rhythm section and the soaring, melodic leads creates a powerful sense of grandeur and desolation. The vocal delivery shifts from raw aggression to a more chanted, almost ritualistic delivery in its latter half, amplifying the song’s thematic weight.

“The Eyes of Hatred” returns to a more straightforward, aggressive black metal assault. The riffs are sharp and biting, and the drumming is a constant, punishing force. There’s a raw, untamed energy to this track that feels incredibly authentic and visceral.

“Heqet” features a more dissonant and unsettling guitar approach. The riffs are jagged and unpredictable, creating a sense of unease and disorientation. The vocal performance is particularly venomous, spitting out lyrics with an almost venomous intensity.

“Rising from the Carpathian Mists” is another atmospheric highlight. It opens with a haunting, spoken-word passage before erupting into a powerful, melodic black metal anthem. The guitar solos are more prominent and expressive here, adding a layer of emotional depth to the otherwise bleak soundscape. The song’s title perfectly encapsulates the misty, evocative imagery it conjures.

“Thou Shalt Bear Witness to the Birth of the Solar Eclipse” is a sprawling, multi-faceted track. It incorporates elements of doom, thrash, and pure black metal, showcasing Behemoth’s increasing willingness to experiment. The transitions are often abrupt, but they contribute to the album’s overall sense of chaotic, yet controlled, fury. The instrumental passages are particularly noteworthy, demonstrating a burgeoning technical proficiency.

“Outro” brings the album to a close with a return to the atmospheric dread of the intro, albeit with a more final, conclusive feel. It’s a slow, drawn-out fade-out, leaving the listener in a state of lingering darkness and unease.

Conclusion:
*Grom* is a pivotal album in Behemoth’s discography, a storm of ice and fire that showcases their rapid development as musicians and songwriters. It bridges the gap between their raw early sound and the more refined, epic compositions of their later years. While still possessing a significant amount of raw aggression, the album displays a newfound maturity in its songwriting, atmospheric layering, and lyrical themes. The production, though not polished, perfectly serves the album’s grim and desolate aesthetic. *Grom* is a powerful and essential listen for any fan of extreme metal, a testament to Behemoth’s early brilliance and a clear indication of the monumental force they were destined to become.