Isn’t Behemoth out of date? Isn’t the war against Christianity old news? Or can the crusade of Behemoth be seen as a crusade against all religions (except Satanism)? Is this already proved formula, getting stale? According to Behemoth not, and it seems they are right. Playing in big venues and attracting loads of fans they march on, spreading their unholy gospel. And this time accompanied with a new album called “Shit Ov God”.
This Polish band shaped and formed their unique blend of Black- and Death Metal into a (slightly polished) higher form of art. That being said, the music is getting more and more accessible for a larger audience. Together with an impeccable live experience this Polish war-machine proves to be the biggest band in the genre(s) they operate.
Their previous album “Opus Contra Natvram” (2022) was a good album but not as good as the infamous “The Satanist” (2014) and “I Loved You at Your Darkest” (2018). What will “Shit Ov God” have to offer?
Rest assured, Behemoth’s modus operandi has not changed. This means their Blackened Death metal is still top notch, harsh yet accessible and contains loads off interesting riffs, melodies, guitar solos, samples, and choirs. This album has a little more Black Metal in it, comparing it with its predecessors. And for me personally that is a good thing (I am not a Death Metal fan). Once again, the setting is dark, intense, and provocative. The album feels like it has a sense of urgency. Combine this with solid song-writhing and you have a worthy addition to their, already quite extensive, discography.
Opener “The Shadow Elite” and follow up “Throwing Salt” are going straight to the jugular and show no remorse. Both tracks excel in displaying the ferocious side of this band. Title track and single “Shit Ov God” (terrible title and album name by the way) with vocals of Androniki Skoula (Chaostar) and spoken word makes it one of the easiest digested tracks on this album.
“Lvcifeareon” the second single of this album, gives a better impression of what this album contains. Namely, refined tunes concocted in a dark blend of harsh, extreme riffs. It will take some time to digest but when you have your ears tuned the right way this album offers good production value and lots of refined finesse.
“To Drow The Svn in Wine” is a filthy piece of work. It is harsh, fast and relentless and show an extremely aggressive side of Behemoth while “Nomen Barbrvm” could very well be an exceptionally good live song (just like “Chant for Ezkaton” is).
“O Venus, Come!” is in the same vein as the smasher “O Father, O Satan, O Sun!” and combines atmosphere with aggressivity very well. Closing track “Avgr (The Dread Vvltvr)” proves to be a well-chosen and performed closing track, which (again) has a splendid contribution of Androniki Skoula.
While doing nothing new under the black sun Behemoth proves again to be of consistent and constant value within the extreme metal genre. This album is executed flawlessly and with great care for detail. Fans of the new era of Behemoth, since “The Satanist”, should devour this album easily. Aided with great live performance and accompanied by videos which only enhance the experience, this unstoppable force still prove to be relevant. Not even the butt ugly cover of this album will avoid that “Shit Ov God” will please fans around the globe. Good stuff!
Score: 8,2 / 10
Release date: 9th of May 2025
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Reviewer: Erik
Tracklist:
1. The Shadow Elite
2. Sowing Salt
3. The Shit Ov God
4. Lvciferaeon
5. To Drown The Svn In Wine
6. Nomen Barbarvm
7. O Venvs, Come!
8. Avgvr (The Dread Vvltvre)
