Behemoth

This band is bigger than a behemoth: they are a massive, crushing, inescapable force of nature. It’s the type of presence and fury most other metal band yearns to encompass but can never quite capture. They combine a powerful drive, blast beats and all things brutal to create a sonically pummelling record. The riffs vary from thrashing black metal melodies to punching death metal blasts. They have epic tendencies built into and on top of the faster, viler riffs. They write songs and play guitars like a death metal band, leaning towards the Hate Eternal, Nile, Vital Remains, blackened death approach, using technical mastery to highlight their innovations. The vocals occasionally burst into Cryptopsy’s Whisper Supremacy patterns and barks, having a tough, audible edge that makes them remarkable. The best part about this album is that it maintains its ferocity. From beginning to end there are catchy riffs, pounding double bass, and a sound quality that combine to raise the bar for other metal bands. A step up from their last critically acclaimed effort, Zos Kia Cultus, Demigod brings metal technicalities and groove to a new pinnacle.