Behemoth The Apostasy
Century Media Records CM8374-2 July 17, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Black-turned-death metallers Behemoth break the silence for the first time since 2004s Demigod, which, like many of their other records, was a stunning take on stout, Polish death. The Apostasy, for better or worse, isnt overly different. And as such, its another worthwhile notch in the belt of this 16-year-old unit.
However, what The Apostasy doesnt get as much use out of that Demigod did is the acoustic guitar. Serving as a lead-in and transitional instrument, the acoustic guitar not only fit Demigod like a glove, but sounded great in the context of Behemoths music. To be fair, though, At the Left Hand ov God does incorporate acoustic instrumentation to positive results. Still, TA has its own flair choir-laden passages, female wails, horns, Warrel Dane (Nevermore) so the record does construct an unforgettable personality while it unravels. In fact, Slaying the Prophets ov Isa is as grand as anything heard from Dimmu Borgir, Satyricon, or any other band with a comparable budget and an ear for grandiose brass.
While the trio has continued to skyrocket in popularity, due to nonstop touring, the musicianship is nothing less than jaw-dropping. Inferno (drums ov annihilation and artillery) turns in an especially riveting performance that should further cement his placement amongst fellow, extreme metal skinsmen. Nergal (rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars, throat, new aeon propaganda and war strategy), Orion (low end frequencies and fornication), and session member Seth (rhythm and lead guitars) arent slouches when it comes to lightning-fast riffs, smoking leads, apt bass rumbles, and gruff growls.
In typical Behemoth fashion, most of TA is relayed at an incredibly fast rate of speed. Yet, the most memorable song by far is mid-paced smasher Inner Sanctum because of Danes (Nevermore) unique vocals. Ill-fitting or not, his bellowing adds spice to a tune that could otherwise be classified as average, aside from its crushing beginning. Also, The Apostasy isnt as easy to recall as Id prefer it to be once Christgrinding Avenue comes to a close, even if nearly all the songs are instantly likeable. Plus, the Poles have crafted an album that some casual fans could go without, and its true that their discography houses superior entries.
When all is said and done, their last few albums are catchier and stronger in the songwriting department. At any rate, while often compared to Vader, Nile, and more, theres none out there quite like Behemoth. The Apostasy, though not the most stimulating release ever, is one of the finest death metal efforts of 2007. Theyre a very consistent act, above all.
Official Behemoth Website
Official Century Media Website
Century Media Records CM8374-2 July 17, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Black-turned-death metallers Behemoth break the silence for the first time since 2004s Demigod, which, like many of their other records, was a stunning take on stout, Polish death. The Apostasy, for better or worse, isnt overly different. And as such, its another worthwhile notch in the belt of this 16-year-old unit.
However, what The Apostasy doesnt get as much use out of that Demigod did is the acoustic guitar. Serving as a lead-in and transitional instrument, the acoustic guitar not only fit Demigod like a glove, but sounded great in the context of Behemoths music. To be fair, though, At the Left Hand ov God does incorporate acoustic instrumentation to positive results. Still, TA has its own flair choir-laden passages, female wails, horns, Warrel Dane (Nevermore) so the record does construct an unforgettable personality while it unravels. In fact, Slaying the Prophets ov Isa is as grand as anything heard from Dimmu Borgir, Satyricon, or any other band with a comparable budget and an ear for grandiose brass.
While the trio has continued to skyrocket in popularity, due to nonstop touring, the musicianship is nothing less than jaw-dropping. Inferno (drums ov annihilation and artillery) turns in an especially riveting performance that should further cement his placement amongst fellow, extreme metal skinsmen. Nergal (rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars, throat, new aeon propaganda and war strategy), Orion (low end frequencies and fornication), and session member Seth (rhythm and lead guitars) arent slouches when it comes to lightning-fast riffs, smoking leads, apt bass rumbles, and gruff growls.
In typical Behemoth fashion, most of TA is relayed at an incredibly fast rate of speed. Yet, the most memorable song by far is mid-paced smasher Inner Sanctum because of Danes (Nevermore) unique vocals. Ill-fitting or not, his bellowing adds spice to a tune that could otherwise be classified as average, aside from its crushing beginning. Also, The Apostasy isnt as easy to recall as Id prefer it to be once Christgrinding Avenue comes to a close, even if nearly all the songs are instantly likeable. Plus, the Poles have crafted an album that some casual fans could go without, and its true that their discography houses superior entries.
When all is said and done, their last few albums are catchier and stronger in the songwriting department. At any rate, while often compared to Vader, Nile, and more, theres none out there quite like Behemoth. The Apostasy, though not the most stimulating release ever, is one of the finest death metal efforts of 2007. Theyre a very consistent act, above all.
Official Behemoth Website
Official Century Media Website
It sounds good!
