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By JEFF MAKI
Death metal is evolving constantly. Bands like Morbid Angel and Deicide built upon the early foundations and upped the ante in terms of extremity. Then came the Scandinavian acts, which introduced a new sound and in turn opened the door for hundreds of bands. In recent years, brutal death metal bands like Nile and Poland's Behemoth have further pushed boundaries, adding Middle-Eastern influences amongst their crushing blast beats. In 2007, elements of death metal can be heard in a large percentage of metal's best known bands. This constant evolution has climaxed with Behemoth's The Apostasy, an album that defines the new era of extreme metal.
The Apostasy's basic meaning is “to go against religion” and this is no surprise, given Behemoth's history of blasphemous recordings. This album is not intended for women or children. Vocalist/guitarist Nergal, bassist Orion and drummer Inferno blast their way through 11 songs of blackened death metal. Nergal's vocals are incomprehensible and Orion's double bass is among the fastest ever recorded. The deadly combinations make several parts of the album unlistenable whichever way you look at it. But I don't think Behemoth cares. This is the name of the game. It's on songs such as “At the Left Hand ov God,” “Be Without Fear” and “Inner Sanctum” that the band allows a menacing guitar riff to break through the nonstop barrage of rhythm, establishing a unique sound. Most of the songs end in triumphant form, almost as if Behemoth is single-handedly conquering Christianity.
The Apostasy sets the bar for new extreme metal releases. Behemoth already started a buzz with last year's appearance on Sounds of the Underground and in 2007 they are part of the “free” Ozzfest, no doubt ready to leave concert-goers awestruck by their level of extremity. |
