Album Reviews : Behemoth – Evangelion

The term “brutal” is used quite frequently in the heavy metal universe. A lot of the time though its meaning is misconstrued by people’s interpretation of the word to describe the music they are listening too.

The word brutal to me describes a state of being ruthless and unrelenting, yet clearly this description isn’t strong enough nor descriptive enough to understand the sheer terror and assault in which Behemoth deliver their relentless music.

This maybe partly due to the bands evolution over the years which has evolved more towards a blackened metal sound which infuses more death metal elements rather than a cliche black metal influence.

Behemoth release to the masses their 9th studio album entitled ‘Evangelion’. Much like Behemoth‘s past releases the main emphasis of Evangelion lies with many biblical elements which seem to border more on the historic than a blatant strike to ridicule mainstream religion. Ironically though, there are some minor elements which do logically question fundamental religions and their history.

The word Evangelion comes from a Greek word meaning  ‘Spreading the word of God’. Since the band have somewhat of negative aspect in the eyes of many Christian and religious followers, its meaning can only be taken lightly as its the bands own interpretation of the word and not by a mystical deity or higher power, even though many fans take these bands and their lyrics as complete gospel.

As with any Behemoth release you can expect drummer Zbigniew Robert Promi?ski, otherwise known as ‘Inferno’ to relentlessly deliver a barrage of his mind melting blast beats and technical prowess. His skills will not only comfort many new age death metal fans but also keep many black metal fans happy with their somewhat demanding and cynical views of the genre. Just by listening to the first track ‘Daimonos’ you’ll understand why Inferno is one of the fastest and most technically proficient drummers in his class today.

The first single ‘Ov Fire And The Void’ has had quite a substantial amount of controversy surrounding it. Not only for its heavily satanic undertones, but it’s highly sensitive video clip which has already been banned in several countries. Behemoth are always expected to delivery a wave of anguish and terror in their music and Ov Fire And The Void continues that tradition in a very simple, yet powerful way.

Typical black metal eerie introductions are present on the track He Who Breeds Pestilence as it offers a more straight forward black metal influence with slight intermissions of blast beats. Lead singer Nergal offers his somewhat possessive vocals on the track which vary from the melodic to the extreme.

Alas, Lord Is Upon Me dissolves alittle of the brutality from the album as it drives more towards a melodic undertone. This slight change in the albums delivery mixes it up nicely and adds a faint touch of  doom metal to the all round structure.

The emphasis of guitar work from Nergal an Seth intertwine to build both tension and hauntingly lighting fast solos which seem to work extremely well with the albums sinister and blasphemous grooves.

Much like Behemoth‘s previous release The Apostasy, orchestral elements are still present. The faint sound of horns, trumpets and other brass elements flourish in the vibrant yet brutal sounds of Evangelion which inevitability add more depth and character to tracks like He Who Breeds Pestilence and Lucifer, which also carry a faint array of ambiance and a mild melodramatic groove.

You’d be crazy to think this is just another cliche droned out black metal band trying to vent anger towards Christianity or another institutional religion when you actually realise how learned Nergal is. Once you understand that Nergal studied ancient biblical literature for many years you’ll understand why Behemoth are such a dangerous force. Not only in their respected genre but also their home country which seems to flourish off controlled religion and corrupt governments, much like any established country with an agenda.

The sheer level of provoking intellect and aggression behind Evangelion make it one of Behemoth‘s strongest and most sort after releases in their career so far. I highly recommend it to not only black metal fans but also death metal fans as well.  9/10

Band: Behemoth
Album: Evangelion
Year: 2009
Genre: Blackened Death Metal, Black Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Australian Distribution: Riot! Entertainment – Click here to purchase
Origin: Poland
www.behemoth.pl
www.myspace.com/behemoth

Tracklisting:

1. Daimonos
2. Shemhamforash
3. Ov Fire and the Void <- Reviewer’s choice
4. Transmigrating Beyond Realms ov Amenti
5. He Who Breeds Pestilence
6. The Seed ov I
7. Alas, Lord Is Upon Me
8. Defiling Morality ov Black God
9. Lucifer <- Reviewer’s choice