Austria's Belphegor are a Satanic blackened death metal band that formed in 1993. They take their name from a demon and in recent years have become one of the more notorious extreme metal acts. Now in 2008, everything comes to a head with Bondage Goat Zombie. If nothing else, Belphegor have come up with the most bizarre album name of the last decade. Even more frightening is the album's cover.

What awaits inside the release is based on the works of writer Marquis De Sade (1740-1814), set to extreme metal. Marquis De Sade was a French aristocrat who was incarcerated (for his writings and actions) and committed several times throughout his life. He was known for violent pornography, a lifelong pursuit of personal pleasure and was accused of blasphemy. It should be no surprise that Belphegor tackles subject matter such as bondage (duh, it's in the album title), domination and sadism (which is derived from De Sade's name). Musically, Belphegor is about as extreme as a band can get, though on Bondage Goat Zombie, they seem to experiment in places, often adding a sense of dynamics to create a dark, disturbing atmosphere. The album is similar to early day Cradle Of Filth, both in style and subject matter. But for the most part, Bondage Goat Zombie is a non-stop, demonic hyperblast.  Lead vocalist Helmuth sounds like a gargoyle as he bellows, “Bondage!” on the title track and in several other places. 

Yes, Belphegor is completely over-the-top and for unsuspecting listeners this band might come as a complete shock. They might even make you want to gag. But if you get past the disturbing subject matter and imagery, Belphegor has released a strong, brutal and fairly original album here. Let's face it, the members of Belphegor probably mow their lawn, go to work and do household chores just like you and me. I doubt they have bound and chained sex-slaves locked away in an isolated tower somewhere in Austria. Or do they?