What can I say about this band? BEHEMOTH are truly one of today's leading Metal acts and I think that no one can deny it! From the very first time I happened to listen to their work (I think it was Thelema.6 or Zos Kia Kultus) I was amazed by their indescribable brutality, their unique style and Nergal's characteristic vocals. They never let me down and I hope their new album The Apostasy doesn't, too. Let's see what surprises do BEHEMOTH have this time for us.
Polish Death Metal act BEHEMOTH started their career back in 1991. Who would believe that those youngsters would make - along with bands like VADER and DECAPITATED - Polish Death Metal being heard everywhere! Starting as a Black Metal band, they released some very good albums like And The Forests Dream Eternally EP (1994), which in my humble opinion kicks major ass. After their turn into Death Metal forms, they released various great albums, with their top move being their last album Demigod (2004), which exceeded every expectation!
Their previous album's ghost stands above The Apostasy, something that makes me a bit cautious about what I will face. I think that in Demigod they reached the 100% of their abilities and I believe that they will hardly reach this level again. Anyway, enough with my imagination. Let's get on with the real thing. Upon pushing the play button, I wish I wouldn't have done something like this. BEHEMOTH exceed the odds for one more time and deliver an album full of extreme and brutal holocaust! This band amazes me more and more! I really don't have words to describe The Apostasy! Inferno's drumming is relentless and extreme as always and he just makes you wonder how many hands he has. Nergal's vocals still remain a trademark of BEHEMOTH's music and I am still trying to realize if this guy has lungs or something else!
The guitars cut like a razor and the riffing could definitely be a part of an instructional CD for guitarists. Basically, these guys always had incredible riffs (I still can't get the riff from Conquer All out of my head). Not to mention the production, which is superb as always! I really don't think that there are fans of Death Metal who can deny this band's gloriousness! If such people exist, this album can definitely make them reconsider some things. Every single track kicks major ass and the only way for you to find this out is by getting the fuck out of your house and going to the nearest record store to buy The Apostasy.
Many people have accused BEHEMOTH of selling out and not being a true Death Metal band anymore. Well, with releases like Demigod and The Apostasy, BEHEMOTH raise their middle finger proudly and scream FUCK YOU to all those shitheads! You have two options, follow the beast or stay here with the rest. The choice is yours...
Dane's guest appearance was something I did not expect and it definitely makes the overall result much more interesting. While listening to it I realized how close NEVERMORE's and BEHEMOTH's music can sometimes be.