Behemoth-- Evangelion (2009)

Polish Metal heads Behemoth is not for everyone. I honestly did not like them the first time I listened to one of their albums. Their 2007 album “The Apostasy,” is what made me a fan. It was then that I purchased their back catalogue and actually got a chance to see them live when they toured with Dimmu Borgir. Behemoth has now released their newest album titled Evanelion. So how does it fare to their previous albums? Well it really is a mixed bag. This is one of their shortest albums with 9 tracks coming in at 41.9 minutes long. In the many listening that I have given to this album, I was often surprised at how quickly I had listened to the entire album in one sitting. Behemoth has not been known for creating Dream Theater length songs but I would have liked to see additional tracks included on this album. Different retailers offered an additional bonus track with purchase of the digital version of the album. Even with the additional track the album is still short.
All complaints aside the album is classic Behemoth. This album, along with “The Apostasy,” is a good one to start out with if you are new to the band. The cookie monster vocals of lead singer Nergal has been toned down a bit from their previous releases. This makes them a little easier on the ears. The brutal assault of drummer Inferno is really something to hear as he has been called one of the fastest drummers in metal. His mastery of the double bass pedal puts up notes that leave other drummers in the dust. The track “Ov Fire and The Void,” gives you a taste of what he can do. This track is my favorite off the album with its haunting guitar riffs and solos.
Overall they have enough variety within this album to avoid having every song sound the same. Behemoth continues their anti Christian lyrics and themes with songs such as “Lucifer,” and “Defining Morality OV Black God.” Regardless of your stance on religion you don’t have to worry when listening to a Behemoth album as the lyrics are hard to understand. The last track of the album is an appropriate send off with its slowed down tempo and ghostly hymns.

Tracks:

1. "Daimonos" 5:15
2. "Shemhamforash" 3:56
3. "Ov Fire and the Void" 4:27
4. "Transmigrating Beyond Realms ov Amenti" 3:27
5. "He Who Breeds Pestilence" 5:41
6. "The Seed ov I" 4:58
7. "Alas, Lord Is Upon Me" 3:15
8. "Defiling Morality ov Black God" 2:49
9. "Lucifer" 8:06
10. "Total Invasion (Japanese Bonus Track)" 7:20


(NOTE: NOT WORK SAFE!!!)


Behemoth's official web site

--Steven M. Duarte