Behemoth Album: “Demigod”

The sticker placed on this album makes a bold statment: "'Demigod' is the 'Alters of Madness' of this generation; a truely perfect death metal album." After thoroughly listening to the album, I can only conclude that the above sentiment is actually an UNDERSTATMENT!

"Demigod" may very well be the best death metal album ever recorded. I say this for a number of reasons:

(a) "Demigod" manages to capture the immense musical talents of the three death metal virtuosos who make up Behemoth. You will be hard pressed to find three musicians within this genre of music (or any for that matter) who have completely mastered their instruments to such a degree. Nergal possesses one of the finest death metal voices. Throughout the album he simultaneously mixes his lower death growls with midrange/ higher pitches which create an almost demonic sound to the vocals. In addition, Nergal is an outstanding guitar player who creates some of the most memorable riffs you will hear on any extreme metal album. Orion makes his first appearance as bassist on this album, and does not fail to please, as he matches Nergal's intensity throughout the album. Then there is Inferno, one of the most gifted and fastest drummers you will hear. So much so, that Behemoth has had to endure some accusations that they actually utilized a drum machine in the recording of the album. Though not true, once you hear the sheer speed with which Inferno tears through the songs, you will understand why critics thought otherwise.

(b) Unlike many death metal albums, each song on "Demigod" is distinct. Despite being an enormous fan of extreme music, even I have to concede that there is some truth to the criticism that death metal albums consist of many songs that sound similar (to the point they could play as one long song if the pauses were omitted). With that being said, "Demigod" does not suffer from this fault. Rather, the structure for each song is unique, making each of the songs clearly distinguishable from one another. Furthermore, there are songs on "Demigod" that (dare I say it) are accessible and listener friendly! Make no mistake about it, Behemoth ranks as one of the most extreme metal acts (perhaps second only to Suffocation). Nonetheless, there are some catchy songs on the album (e.g., Demigod, Conquer All, and Slaves Shall Serve). Keep in mind I use the term accessible in the loosest sense, by no means do I feel that someone who is turned off by extreme music will find this album easy to listen to. But to death metal fans, this album will be a feast for the ears!

(c) This is far and away the most extreme, intense, and fastest album ever recorded (or I should say, that I have heard). From the opening song to the very last riff, "Demigod" unleashes an onslaught that NEVER lets up! Even the above mentioned band, the mighty Suffocation, have never released an album so insanely fast. Blast beats are plentiful throughout "Demigod." However, unlike some albums where listeners find their excessive use to be boring and one-dimensional, the heavy reliance on blast beats only enhances this album. They add to the overall intensity, which will energize the listener, whipping him/her into a fury.

(d) The production of "Demigod" is FLAWLESS! This album is the most polished death metal album I have ever heard. All of the instruments shine through with a clarity that is crystal clear. Surprisingly, it is Nergal who produced the album, proving that his talents extend far beyond the stage and his instruments, into the studio as well.

Though "Demigod" is an outstanding album, no recording is without flaws, and "Demigod" is no different. Perhaps the only stylistic flaw that I found is the long instrumental introduction the album's final song "The Reign of Shemsu-Hor." Time wise, this song clocks in at over 8 minutes, with the first 2 1/2 minutes being nothing but the aforementioned instrumental introduction. The intro is powerful; however, it is slow and fairly repetitive. I find myself fast forwarding through the intro or skipping this song all together. The first two minutes serve as somewhat of a lull in an otherwise perfect album.

My only other criticism comes from a personal standpoint that is completely unrelated to the music. Personally, I have never been one to enjoy lyrics that are pagan in nature. I wouldn't call "Demigod" a satanic album, but there are certainly references made to pagan gods as well as inspiration drawn from Alister Crowley. However, I knew of Behemoth's spiritual beliefs before purchasing the album, so by no means was I offended or taken aback, as a Christian its just not my style, but that is me, and by no means should this criticism be taken as a stab at a band as musically talented as Behemoth.

In short, as one other reviewer succinctly stated, "Behemoth are obviously the best at what they do" - I could not state it any better. "Demigod" seems to occupy the space in my CD player more so than any other album I own. I literally see myself eventually wearing this album out from repetitive play...it's that good! Anyone who is a true fan of death metal should do him/herself a favor and buy this album...you will not be disappointed. I can only wonder what Behemoth will do for their next release, as I don't see how it will be possible to top the masterpiece of "Demigod!"

I've had Demi-god for a while now and I haven't really been able to get into it. After listening to it, it leaves me wanting something more... As others may have mentioned, behemoth screwed around with Nergals vocals, recording a low-pitch track, and then playing another, higher pitched vocal track "underneath" the normal vocals.- the only track which doesn't seem to use this method is "before the aeons came" which seems to be more reminiscent of behemoth's older, more minimal death vocal style. This new production method makes the vocals uninteresting and lack-luster. No where on demi-god will a certain scream or growl stand out, they end up being like death metal spoken word.

Behemoth seems to borrow quite a bit from the well-known american death metal act Nile. The most noticeable being In the solo section. But this dosen't bother me very much because the solos are absolutely amazing solos, some of the best I have heard in a long while in fact. Other times its harder to pin down.. Its not really a big deal, behemoth obviously has been influenced by Nile. being influenced by a band is fine; just as long as they don't turn into Nile Junior. They even have a Guest apperance on Xul by none other then Karl Sanders, Nile's guitarist and Mastermind.

I have the same problem with the lyrics as I do with all their other albums, I don't know anything about them, im not fammiliar to what it is they are trying to portray through the lyrics, Since most of them seem to written on old mythology from mayan to egyptian. now this would be O.K. if they came with a big discription of what the names...but the descriptions provided don't really shed much light onto the deeper meanings of the lyrics. So I had to bash up Wikipedia to find out what some things meant, i.e. Shemyaza, Dumuzi Lord, and the like. I will however give them credit for making unique and original lyrics. If you are into the hole occult/etc thing I supposed you will understand these lyrics perfectly...I guess i am just a stupid vn-Kvltish mortal. Anyway, the only song I like lyricly is "Before the Aeons came", and behemoth didn't even write this, it was written by an old english poet.(Algernon Charles Swinburne for anyone who cares =P)

This "new" beefier sound with dual vocal distortians can work work out extremely well. Like in Slaves Shall serve, Mysterium Coniunctionis (Hermanubis), Conquer all(I am obsessed with this song, it has a great death metal vibe/groove to it), Sculpting The Throne Ov Seth, and The Reign Of Shemsu-Hor. All of these tracks prove behemoth can be crushingly heavy when they want to be. While some other times, it can be a less intense and more average death metal, like in Xul, and the Nephilim Rising.

In the end I like this record, but I think it could have been so much more. Not to say its bad, it definitely has its moments. I don't regret buying this album one bit. Is it one of my all time favorites? No, Is it the worst thing to ever come from death metal? Hell no! Its another solid album from behemoth, who in case you haven't noticed, have been spewing out tons of quality records recently. Im gonna keep my eyes open for the next album from behemoth, hoping that they will take what they did with "Demigod" even further. To end this review i'll say that if you like Nile, or death metal at all, you should pick this up because you will most likely love this record.

If you managed to read this entire review, and didn't feel like kicking me in the teeth after doing so, or found it remotely interesting, appealing, or helpful please take a second out of your busy and important day to press the "yes" button next to "Was this review helpful to you?"

Thank you,

-Igar the Terrible

If you're looking for some rabid machine gun double bass drums, crazy shredding guitar riffs, awesome hair raising solos, and bone chilling vocals, well you've come to the right and I do mean RIGHT place here. Behemoth's brand new full length album entitled "Demigod" is just beyond amazing, and no words can describe how awesome this album truly is. This was my first Behemoth album I ever bought, and whenever I listen to this, it gives me an adrenaline rush every time, because I just can't get enough of it. Nergal's vocals on here are just awesome and bone chilling beyond words. There's also lots of crazy shredding riffs and awesome solos from him and Seth. Orion's bass lines are very heavy and freaky, and Inferno's wild machine gun double bass drumming is like a race car going at 100 miles per hour. Here is an analysis of my favorite songs.

1. Sculpting The Throne Ov Seth - Begins with a soft acoustic interlude, and then the double bass and heavy guitars roar in, and before you know it, all hell breaks loose. Great album opener. Rating: 5/5

2. Demigod - Awesome title cut, more great double bass drumming. Rating: 5/5

3. Conquer All - Great song with some more bone crushing riffs and a very nice solo. Nergal's vocals are very creepy on here. Rating 5/5

8. XUL - Another one of my favorites. Also features an awesome guest solo from Karl Sanders of Nile (another one of my favorite death metal bands). Rating: 5/5

9. Slaves Shall Serve - My favorite song on here and one of the fastest on here. Inferno's drumming is just absolutely wild throughout and also some of the best on here as well. I even get chills down my back when I hear Nergal roars out the line "Slaves Shall Serve". Rating: 10/5

10. The Reign Ov Shemsu-Hor - The epic 8 minute + closer. Awesome song, I really like this one. It's also the slowest song on here, but it still crushes you like a bug. Great solos BTW. Rating: 5/5

The entire song list and ratings:

1. Sculpting The Throne Ov Seth - 5/5

2. Demigod - 5/5

3. Conquer All - 5/5

4. The Nephhilm Rising - 5/5

5. Towards Babylon - 5/5

6. Before The Aeons Came - 5/5

7. Mysterium Coniunctionis(Hermanubis) - 5/5

8. XUL - 5/5

9. Slaves Shall Serve - 10/5

10. The Reign Ov Shemsu-Hor - 5/5

If my dear friends Pete, Mills, and Kommisar are reading this right now, go out and buy this album. I guarantee you guys will all love it.

Anyways, if you're into great death metal bands such as Decapited, Dying Fetus, Origin, Vader, Deicide, Nile, Vital Remains, Morbid Angel, Suffocation, Cannibal Corpse or even the Red Chord for that matter, you will definately love Behemoth. Do yourself a big favor, go out and buy this album right now!!

LONG LIVE BEHEMOTH!!

LONG LIVE DEATH METAL!!

As pathetic as I am, I've been a metalhead for five-some years, and only this year did I hear of a band called Behemoth. I thought I knew metal band...boy, was I sorely mistaken. To make matters even more embarrassing for me, I did some research and found out this band has been around for well over a decade.

I was ready to give Six Feet Under the award for this year's best death metal album, but then I read an online review that made me want to run out and get some Behemoth. Now that I've heard "Demigod," I can safely say it definitely takes the prize for 2005's best death metal album.

All of the necessary ingredients are here to make a perfect death metal album: Behemoth-sized (large, beast-like) riffs, searing guitar solos, monstrous vocals, and pounding drums.

The beats would be only half-as brutal as they are without drummer Inferno`s driving machine gun attacks and Kirk Windstein's constant bellowing. Inferno's barely controlled drumming also helps the album to build and gain density like a skyscraper, and Kirk summons his inner demons, and makes every bellow from his gut, but he never sounds hoarse or tired. The end result is a huge sound with evil, dragon-like vocals. To better describe Behemoth's sound, think of Deicide's riffs and vocals put to Slayer's speed, and add Burn the Priest's constant double bass drumming.

Highlights include:

"Sculpting the Throne ov Seth" has an acoustic intro. This soft beginning abruptly changes when a pounding riff and fast double bass drumming make an appearance.

"Demigod" has some scorching riffs, but the pummeling drums are what dominate this song (the drums are as audible-maybe even a little more so-than the guitars.)

"The Nephilim Rising" has more loud, booming riffs and background drumming. An acoustic section follows the guitar solo, and ends this song.

"Towards Babylon"is an onslaught (one that is kind of surprising, considering the last song ended with an acoustic bit). It explodes out of the speakers with cannon-like machine gun drumming and guitars that hit equally as hard and simultaneously. This might be the heaviest song on the album, and another Morbid Angel-esque guitar solo is near the end.

"Slaves Shall Serve" begins with a capella vocals, but Kirk's voice is just as brutal here as it is when he is yelling over the instruments. Following this, there's a great give and take between the guitars and rapid fire drums. This song has a couple of half-second pauses, after which the song increases speed with more insane drumming.

Album closer, "The Reign ov Shemsu-Hor" begins slowly with a couple of riffs that are few and far between and some slow(er) drumming. Heavy chugging riffs eventually kick in and build off each other, and this song also ends with an acoustic outro.

So, "Demigod" is definitely one of the best death metal albums I have heard in 2005. If you like heavy as f*** heavy metal, you can't go wrong with this. If you're a true metalhead, your collection needs some death metal, so you'll need to check out Behemoth. The bottom line is, if you don't like "Demigod," you don't like good death metal.

Firstly, I think all us TRUE metal fans can agree that the music that this POSER, if I may, down in the other reviews needs to know that his very exsistence is UNWORTHY to the metal cause. HE SHOULD BE GRABBED BY BOTH LEGS AND RIPPED IN HALF! And the same should be done to his stupid friends. If anyone is with me out there, let him/her speak!

Lastly, all I have to say is get this album with SYL's "Alien" and the upcoming Nile album, and you'll be set for the year. Cheers!