Behemoth

Poland’s own demigods of extreme metal, Behemoth, are back with another extravaganza of ancient evil, religion and philosophy. Basically carrying on in the devastating wake of 2003’s Zos Kia Cultus, Demigod has the force of a steamroller and the precision of a scalpel. Mesopotamian harmonies dominate Behemoth’s slicing guitar leads, adding an eeriness to the band’s otherwise pummelling attack and highlighting the ancient Middle Eastern themes epitomised by tracks like "Sculpting the Throne ov Seth” or "The Reign ov Shemsu Hor,” while doubled death vocals growl like a horde of demons. Ranging from viciously brooding to mind-numbingly fast, Demigod is far from chaotic, and infuses its brutality with melodic grooves, soaring solos, and even the odd horn section or acoustic break. The album even features guest vocals by a male choir and a solo by Nile’s Karl Sanders. Epic in subject matter as well as sound Behemoth’s latest take on extreme metal doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises but even less in the way of disappointment.