Behemoth – The Satanist - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Poland

Genre : Black Death Metal

Release : 2014

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The infernal chariot of Behemoth has long been a force of destructive grandeur, but with “The Satanist,” they ascended to a new stratum of sonic blasphemy. Released in 2014, this album isn’t merely a collection of songs; it’s a meticulously crafted liturgical text for the modern antichrist, a visceral descent into the abyss woven with threads of ancient ritual and modern fury. Gone are the more overt symphonic embellishments of previous eras, replaced by a raw, primal energy that feels both ancient and terrifyingly immediate. Nergal’s vocals have deepened, taking on a guttural rasp that sounds like it’s being dredged from the very bowels of hell, while the guitars gnaw with a sharpened, venomous edge. This is not an album for casual listening; it demands surrender, a willing embrace of the darkness it so eloquently portrays.

Track Analysis:
“Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel” opens the proceedings with a chilling, almost funereal dirge, Nergal’s chanted invocation setting a somber, yet undeniably menacing tone. The sudden eruption of blast beats and searing guitar riffs is an immediate declaration of intent, a brutal awakening from a slumber of supposed peace. The track masterfully builds tension, its dynamics shifting from moments of suffocating dread to explosive bursts of aggression, culminating in a truly cathartic release.

“Furor Divinus” continues the onslaught with relentless ferocity. The drumming is a percussive hurricane, each hit landing with surgical precision, driving the song forward with an unrelenting force. The guitar work here is particularly notable, showcasing intricate yet brutal riffing that avoids cliché while remaining undeniably heavy. The solo is a controlled frenzy, a chaotic yet melodic outpouring of pure aggression.

“Morning Be Not Proud” introduces a slightly more melodic, albeit still deeply unsettling, sensibility. The vocal delivery is a snarling growl, laced with a venomous contempt that seeps into every syllable. The song possesses a rhythmic complexity that keeps the listener engaged, its shifts in tempo and intensity feeling organic and earned.

“O Father O Satan O Sun!” is the album’s undeniable centerpiece, a sprawling epic that embodies the thematic core of “The Satanist.” The song ebbs and flows, beginning with a brooding, atmospheric intensity that gradually builds to a monumental crescendo. Nergal’s vocal performance is at its most commanding here, his pronouncements resonating with an almost shamanistic power. The interplay between the crushing riffs and the more atmospheric passages is masterful, creating a sense of vastness and profound spiritual struggle. The final moments, with their echoing chants and fading guitar feedback, leave a lingering sense of awe and dread.

“In the Absence ov Light” is a stark, brutal declaration, its aggression less nuanced and more direct. The riffing is a relentless battering ram, designed to crush and disorient. The drumming is a flurry of double bass pedal work, a relentless pulse that underscores the song’s unyielding intensity.

“XUL” is a more experimental, yet no less potent, offering. It leans into a more dissonant and chaotic soundscape, its jagged riffs and unsettling vocalizations creating a truly disquieting atmosphere. This track feels like a glimpse into a more primal, untamed aspect of the band’s sonic vocabulary.

“Qui Dedit Locum” offers a brief respite in its opening, a haunting clean guitar melody that hints at vulnerability before plunging back into the maelstrom. The transition is jarring, effectively highlighting the duality of despair and defiance that permeates the album. The track’s structure is dynamic, its shifts in aggression mirroring the emotional turmoil it explores.

“From the Golden Age to the Final Pyre” is a relentless march towards oblivion. The drumming is a constant barrage, the guitars a wall of sonic destruction. Nergal’s vocals are a guttural roar, a final testament to the album’s unwavering commitment to its dark themes.

Conclusion:
“The Satanist” is a masterclass in extreme metal. Behemoth has shed the vestiges of their earlier, more overtly theatrical sound, forging something leaner, meaner, and infinitely more impactful. This is an album that understands the power of atmosphere as much as it does the catharsis of brute force. It’s a journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche, a ritualistic summoning of primal forces, and a testament to Behemoth’s unwavering artistic vision. Each track is a meticulously crafted piece of sonic blasphemy, contributing to a cohesive and devastating whole. This isn’t just an album; it’s a statement of defiance, a hymn to the forbidden, and a significant milestone in the evolution of extreme metal.