Album Review
So Behemoth put out another album, making this their fourth full length since 1999. Why can't other bands do this? I'm not talking about writing four mind-blowing albums in the course of five years, I'm just talking about even releasing four albums in five years. If that doesn't give you respect for the occult-enthusiasts behind Behemoth, I don't know what will. If there's one thing they should be praised for, it's their consistency. They've been releasing great albums that maintain their original sound, and Demigod is no exception.
With their trademark Polish death/black stylings, they tear through ten new tracks clocking in at about 41:00. They've kept their Morbid Angel tone, their huge production, riff harmonics, machine-gun drumming, and have continued to play some of the more inventive guitar solos in the genre. Beginning with a well written acoustic part, Demigod kicks off with "Sculpting the Throne ov Seth", which has a Middle Eastern feel to it. There's a light-speed dissonant riff played in the middle of it that needs to be heard to be believed. The vocals sound better than ever. On "Conquer All", it sounds like there's ten different copies of Nergal, all rabid and throwing up blood into your speaker. They spontaneously break into another excellent and infectious acoustic part at the end of "The Nephilim Rising", giving the perfect preface to the following track, the blasting "Towards Babylon". The guitarwork is honestly some of the best I've ever heard in terms of leads - I'm completely astonished when I hear some of the harmonies and solos, like the one on "Xul", done by Karl Sanders of Nile. This entire album is incredibly impressive, even for a band that's already established themselves as capable of producing some of the best metal around.
Lead vocalist and mastermind, Negal, mixed Demigod, and Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, SYL, In Flames) mastered it. So lay your production worries to rest, as this is one of the heavier and more dense albums around.
If for some ungodly reason you still haven't gotten into Behemoth, drop what you're doing and go get Demigod. And get into it. There's no excuse for not doing so. The album starts on an extremely strong note and just keeps getting better. Few bands that are hyped this much are actually worthy of it, so don't miss out again.
With their trademark Polish death/black stylings, they tear through ten new tracks clocking in at about 41:00. They've kept their Morbid Angel tone, their huge production, riff harmonics, machine-gun drumming, and have continued to play some of the more inventive guitar solos in the genre. Beginning with a well written acoustic part, Demigod kicks off with "Sculpting the Throne ov Seth", which has a Middle Eastern feel to it. There's a light-speed dissonant riff played in the middle of it that needs to be heard to be believed. The vocals sound better than ever. On "Conquer All", it sounds like there's ten different copies of Nergal, all rabid and throwing up blood into your speaker. They spontaneously break into another excellent and infectious acoustic part at the end of "The Nephilim Rising", giving the perfect preface to the following track, the blasting "Towards Babylon". The guitarwork is honestly some of the best I've ever heard in terms of leads - I'm completely astonished when I hear some of the harmonies and solos, like the one on "Xul", done by Karl Sanders of Nile. This entire album is incredibly impressive, even for a band that's already established themselves as capable of producing some of the best metal around.
Lead vocalist and mastermind, Negal, mixed Demigod, and Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, SYL, In Flames) mastered it. So lay your production worries to rest, as this is one of the heavier and more dense albums around.
If for some ungodly reason you still haven't gotten into Behemoth, drop what you're doing and go get Demigod. And get into it. There's no excuse for not doing so. The album starts on an extremely strong note and just keeps getting better. Few bands that are hyped this much are actually worthy of it, so don't miss out again.
ZoltaR |
posted on 9/2011 |
8./10 but it's some progress...nice sound
Alex The Impaler |
posted on 11/2007 |
okay, quit complaining about how you can't understand the vocals! so what? it's DEATH METAL! if you wanna know what they're saying just read the lyrics!
i don't really mind the layered vocals i just wish Nergal would sing faster and sound a little angrier since it's such fast music.
i got it a few weeks ago, i can't really get into it but it's still really good, i'm debating about getting The Apostacy though...
Logan |
posted on 7/2007 |
HEY HEY HEY.
Flo is amazing in the technicality department.
Inferno is fast, quite technical, although not as technical.
They play two different types of Death Metal too, so its hard to compare.
AND NO MENTION OF HELLHAMMER?
Hellhammer is easily the fastest drummer on CD atleast.
Listen to his feet go @ Anti.
Steve P |
posted on 6/2006 |
Vocals may be the least important to most metal bands but I don't think anyone can honestly say they don't like the vocals/vocalist on your favorite album/band. It is a matter of opinion and taste but I honestly can't really get into this band that much because I can't understand one word he is saying.
WoundedLand |
posted on 6/2006 |
Once again it always comes down to personal taste. Nothing ever created will appeal to every human beings preference. I happen to like the layered vocals, at first I didn't but they grew on me. Just listen to "The Nephilim Rising" and that will tell you how effective the layers can truly be.
Steve P |
posted on 6/2006 |
I would have to say this isn't a brilliant album mainly because of the vocals. I don't know about anyone else but for me a brilliant album basically has to have perfect in every aspect. The vocals don't make this a bad album but theres only so much you can look pass them. When they are this bad (and I think the voice layering makes this some of the worst metal vocals of all time) then it just cannot be a brilliant album. This is a great album but the vocals prevent it from being brilliant.
Danny |
posted on 5/2006 |
To me being into Metal, and other extreme music, one of key characteristics you need to be able to like this music and not be a recluse is to not give a fuck what other people think. I love this album, I think this album is brilliant, I'm right, everyone who disagrees with me is wrong, it's that simple
WoundedLand |
posted on 5/2006 |
It all comes down to personal preference, anyway. Just because one side says it's brilliant and the other says it's bland, doesn't make it so in reality. That's why we're supposed to be individuals, not communist sheep. Either you like it or don't and there is no reason to attack somebody if you don't like something they do. That is what is simple.
Nailed To Gold |
posted on 5/2006 |
Mr. GIant Bat - Its simple. This album is far from brilliant. Id much rather hear Zos Kia... I like some of Behemoth, but I can not get into this album. The over-dubbing of the vocals just ruins the music.
I just saw Behemoth touring with Krisiun and Morbid Angel. Behemoth was ok; no where near as good as Morbid Angel.
WoundedLand |
posted on 5/2006 |
I was skeptical when I heard Slaves Shall Serve, but when I bought Demigod and each track just bridged the entire album together and has impressed me considrably; this is my first taste of Behemoth and Demigod has made me a fan so I'll have to check out their previous material now. Definate Morbid Angel infulence but Behemoth stands on their own in my view.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 5/2006 |
Satanica was 6/6/6. Demigod is 4/4/4. Now let's just let this whole hype thing over Demigod die down, because Behemoth has been getting progressively worse since Thelema 6. Satanica was better than Thelema 6, Thelema 6 was better than Zos Kia Cultus, Zos Kia Cultus was better than Demigod.
My prediction? Their next cd will be so similar to Demigod that nobody'll like it.
WHO CARES |
posted on 5/2006 |
TRUST ME , THIS BAND does SUCK LIVE. i WAS PURELY DISSAPPOINTED BUT THEY ARE RUNNING AROUND TOO MUCH ON STAGE ACTING LIKE SUCH BLACK METAL FAGS THAT THEY DONT PUT ENOUGH EFFORT INTO THE GUITARS AND VOCALS. THEY SUCK SO BADLY LIVE. HORRIBLE. MAYBE ITS THE MAKEUP THAT GETS IN THEIR WAY.......ONLY FEMALES WEAR MAKEUP?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Swiss Cheese |
posted on 5/2006 |
i actually really like Behemoth now...before i thought they were ok, but now that ive listened to Demigod more, and now that ive seen them live, ive finally realized what a great band they are....i kinda like the vocals....they're deep and growlish...it makes them stand out...a little
\m/ \m/ |
posted on 5/2006 |
The first time I heard "Conquer All" I though they were covering Anthrax's "Be All, End All" because the intros sound identical. Not bashing it, cause it's a cool use of the riff and a much better song than the Antharx song. It's a great album all around, and even though the vocals may be a little over the top, they're powerful as hell and fit the music just fine. At least you know who you're listening to when you hear Nergal. He seperates himself from the pack which is almost impossible for a death metal growler to do these days.
Steve P |
posted on 3/2006 |
this is such a great album but i really cannot stand the layered vocals. on their other albums they didnt seem nearly as hard to understand what he was saying but now its basically impossible. I hope on their next album the vocals are at least a little more understandable.
Jorm |
posted on 2/2006 |
I didn't think that the solo from "conquer all" sounded like a NIle solo, Nile solos seem to be way more techincal with less over-all wow factor in them. And "Xul" is the biggest nile-worshipping track from the album if you ask me. Don't get me wrong I love nile, but the first time i heard the solo from "Xul" at around 2:20 I thought i was listening to a nile song. Soon after I found out that it was indeed Karl Sanders from nile who was pulling at the strings on Xul's solo. Its a great [Nile] solo but it dosen't belong on a behemoth album.
My favorite solo right now -it could change later, who knows!- is 3:48 of "Sculpting the Throne ov seth" I just love the way it starts up...so epic-like. 5.5 / 4 / 6 from me.
FucBush |
posted on 2/2006 |
Ive had this album for a while, and really havnt gotten into it until recently...the lead work reminds me alot of Nile...I also like how Nergel explains the inspiration behind the songs in the booklet (ala Nile, yet again). I think the reason for my reluctance to really enjoy this album was at first the vocals...it was one of the 1st times since i began listening to metal that i had to sit down and read the lyrics to understand them. Sounds like Satan recorded vokills for this album! Great lyrics, great production, great music (the power of the riff compels me!!!)
Scorpion |
posted on 2/2006 |
To Voice: There's no reason for Behemoth to change their lyrical content so the "average" person can read it, otherwise they would be well, average. Their lyrics are original and inspiring, go research things they talk about. In Demigod they draw particular influence from the writings of contraversial Aleister Crowley. It took me a bit to find out what "apo pantoz kako daimonos" from Decade of Therion meant, but it's all really interesting. Frankly, I just don't see a reason why they would dumb down their music, and write unorginal crap about how cool Satan is and how to brutally slay Christians. I mean that kind of stuff is all good but it's not shocking anymore, it's been overdramatized by the likes of Deicide and Dimmu Borgir. Expand your database of knowledge and a thorough understanding of Behemoth's lyrics will follow.
I've been hooked on this album for months, it's absolutely the most brutal, sinster, most powerful thing I've heard.
The Voice Of Reason |
posted on 2/2006 |
I've had Demi-god for a while now and I haven't really been able to get into it. While This has to be the heaviest album they've made to date, it leaves me wanting something more...As others have stated, behemoth screwed around with Nergals vocals, recording a low-pitch track, and then playing another, higher pitched vocal track "underneath"(in the background) the normal vocals.- the only track which doesn't seem to use this method is "before the aeons came" which seems to be more remissicant of behemoths older, more natural death vocals- This 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. The new production also has made the average song more well, average. Its like, intro, basic chorus riff, vocals, basic chorus riff, vocals and guitars speed up for a bit, basic chorus riff, (awsome)solo, end. each song only really has 1 interesting solo to keep you around, most of these solos are, however, soaring, Epic, jaw-droppingly-amazing solos. Im not trying to bash demi-god; there are parts in it that I am absolutly Crazy about, like Conquer all, slaves shall serve, Before the Aeons came(in particular the opening riffs which are around 0:15-0:45 and the main chorus riff(s)), Mysterium Coniunctionis (you cant help but imagine some huge creature coming after you during the riffs.), And the reign of Shemsu-Hor (once you get past the intro that is, by the way, waaay to long and uninteresting at over 2 mins, the song just shreds in every sense of the word.) 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 H.P. Lovecraftian Fiction (im talking about demi-god here) and old mythology from mayan to egyptian. So I had to bash up Wikipedia to find out what some things meant, i.e. Shemyaza, Dumuzi Lord, and the like. honestly who here knows what Ko?? Oµ Pa? ON Me?? means 'cuz I sure as hell dont have a clue! I guess i am just a stupid vn-Kvltish mortal who doesn't even know who Lacifarus is. 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) but anyway, it would be nice if the average person could grasp at what the idea their going for is. This "new" beefier sound with dual vocal distortians can work work out extremely well; like in Slaves Shall serve, Mysterium Coniunctionis (Hermanubis), Conquer all, and Sculpting The Throne Ov Seth, which proves behemoth can be crushingly heavy. but 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 definiatly 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 that ever came to death metal? Hell no! Its another soild album from behemoth, who in case you haven't noticed, has been spewing out tons of quality records recently. So if you just got into behemoth with demigod, and didn't feel to crazy about it, check out their back catalogue. Oh and by the way I saw them live during their massive Canadian tour, and let me tell you, they are a whole 'nother ball park live. I'll give Behemoths demi-god a 6/4.5/5.5
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 1/2006 |
Demigod kind of sucks compared to Satanica and Thelema 6.
Its like the same band and same type of music, but the mixing is all weird. The blast beats are way to common, and the guitars aren't as present as they were in the last 3 releases. Plus, why did they have to go and fuck with Nergals vocals?! Laying down two distorted vocal tracks sucks, and just makes it generic growling.
The vocals on Satanica and Thelema 6 don't have that crap, which makes the vocals sound much rawer. I swear, every time I put Satanica into my stereo, I feel like acid is just going to start pouring out of the speakers.
Demigod's alright, but way too overproduced. They need to go back to a "heavy guitars and venomous vocals" sound rather than a "blast beats and generic growling".
geezus crisp |
posted on 1/2006 |
This CD has the extremely important qualities of a great album in satanic spades. This album is pretty much the peak of being able to sound so brutal yet so instantly catchy. Negral's vocals may be layered but, goddamn, he sounds like a devil who just got his seat in hell stolen by an angel. Really deep growls.
Danny |
posted on 12/2005 |
The Vocals are jointly the weakest and one of the strongest parts of this album. Weakest cus, as eh said, 9 times out of 10 even with the lyric sheet his voice is totally incomprehensibly. But without with Nergal's vocal stylings...well it just wouldn't rip your eardrums out of your nostrils in that quint little way it does.
eh |
posted on 9/2005 |
Behemoth is a great band but Nergals vocals are so overrated. I can't understand it which is often a given in extreme death metal. But I couldn't even piece together what he was saying with the lyric sheet right in front of me. Either way the lyrics are all about stupid Egyptain and Babylonian gods anyway. Maybe if they were from that area it would be interesting, but they're freaking Polvacks. Musically a great band, but their a little overrated on the image and vocal department.
Bryce Hendrix |
posted on 5/2005 |
I love death metal and melodic black/death metal. This takes the two and puts them together for an awsome combination of pure, hardcore metal that just blows me out of the water. When i first got the album i listened to it about 4 times in a row, then put it on replay over the entire period of the whole night. man they rock
goreseverd |
posted on 10/2004 |
does any one know where i can order it from?/ cuz the local cd stores cant get it from their distributor and they arent on century media like it says and there is no merch link on behemoths site. its pissing me off... cuz i want this cd really badly. thx i dont buy from amazon cuz their prices are high as shit
Jacksonlefteye |
posted on 10/2004 |
Just seems to me like they make original and creative music without any mistakes; in my book (and apparently many others) that's a 6, maybe if one of the musicians didnt show enough passion or personality in a few songs then maybe i'd give a 5.5, but the way you describe it, it sounds like a 6
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