Behemoth - The Satanist (2014)

Blackened death metal, crafted and produced to perfection, this is what it is. Should metal be like this? I am not really sure. Behemoth The Satanist is the latest offering of the band, released five years after Evangelion. While I've never really been a fan of Behemoth, considering it somewhat average, yet consistent band, The Satanist is a testimony of how much the band has evolved musically over the years. It might as well be the best release of Behemoth, if you ask me, but the album is nothing to get excited about. This is not to say Behemoth are just an average band, as The Satanist undeniably has its moments, with impeccable production and refined songwriting across all songs.


The Satanist has a relatively cold feel to it, opening with marching rhythm of Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel in place of another blast beat extravaganza in the opening piece like metal bands would make us expect. Instead, Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel is a slow, marching song, culminating with a choir, a set of french horns, cellos, trombones, eponymous trumpets, all these contributing to an eerie atmosphere that will continue throughout the album. Apart from typical full-blown Behemoth-in-yer-ass pieces like Amen or Furor Divinus, the band has managed to slip a decent dose of full blown songs on the album, including songs like Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel, Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer or The Satanist. 

This roaring, gurgling sound of bass guitar is definitely something I've been long waiting for in Behemoth. It really adds to the powerful appeal of the album. Moreover, The Satanist takes a totally different tack in terms of soloing, giving guitars more space this time. Much more than you might expect from a Behemoth release, anyway. While the leads themselves present a more relaxed and rock oriented side of Seth (and Nergal), they are mostly generic, uninspired attempts and do not actually bring much to the table melodically (viz Messe Noire).

One of gripes the album is that, refined and polished as it is, underneath all these multiple layers of choirs and brass, there are quite generic metal riffs, somewhat unimaginative. My second concern is the indulgence with which Behemoth allowed themselves to use the brass and choir sections, makes the trick feel repetitive across the album.

Nevertheless, looking through the prism of events of the past 5 years, Behemoth is a genuinely experienced band and has really matured. Behemoth has proved again they are hard working metal veterans and never cease to deliver. The Satanist is well worth a listen.