Behemoth’s ascent is a story that can be told in many ways and from many perspectives. When one writes about a band that has written and rewritten the book on extreme metal for over 30 years that much is inevitable. However, it would be difficult to really capture the story’s essence without focusing on the ambition and power which drive the band. While both power and ambition, as terms, can be tied in some way and some meaning to every story – their interpretation here is exact and carefully chosen. Ambition is the charioteer, navigating ever forwards to new horizons and visions and power are the horses, without whose prowess those horizons would be but a distant dream.

The new opus, The Shit Ov God, is emblematic of that. Here’s a band that, 34 years in, is releasing it’s most inflammatory and extreme record to date. 8 songs that go into the fathoms of humanity, divinity and what defiance means in an age where individuality is prized but everyone is clinging to their saviors. Musically, politically, or otherwise. The title of the album is in line with those sensibilities. Intentionally polarizing, founder and frontman Nergal, says of the title “We chose this provocative title deliberately, rejecting subtlety in favor of a direct and polarizing statement. It’s a defiant plunge into the depths, daring to seek the absolute even in the gutter. ” Artistically, bringing such a striking sonic vision to life is no small feat. Aside from the band in se, Behemoth meticulously chose the audiovisual artists involved on the album. Production on the album was helmed by the inimitable Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios (Emperor, Enslaved, Kreator, Rotting Christ et al. ) Working closely with the band, Bogren’s deft hand underscored the band’s natural sound while sacrificing none of the mayhem and ferocity which permeates the band’s essence. As is always the case with Behemoth, the visuals were as carefully constructed as the sound. The band tapped long-time collaborator and partner in crime Bartek Rogalewicz (BLACK. LODGE. IS. NOW) as well as Dark Sigil Workshop to make the beautifully ominous and unique cover-art. CD w 36 page booklet