Evangelion

While many bands or albums that have been coined with the term “epic”, I have found that most of them are undeserving of the title. In the case of Behemoth and their latest release, “Evangelion” it’s safe to say that the term “epic” is easily appropriate in describing both the album that has been released, as well as the band that has released it. So now that we’ve determined that Behemoth’s “Evangelion” is epic, we need to determine just how epic it really is.

So lets say “Demigod” and “The Apostasy” had some horrific and all-powerful offspring together. That offspring would be “Evangelion”. All of the intensity and power of both previous albums, but with a more blackened feel reminiscent of older Behemoth releases like “Zos Kia Cultus” and “Thelema 6”. Add a level of technicality that Behemoth has never before displayed along with the surprise of not sounding anything like their disappointing “Ezkaton EP” (which is a very good thing) and you have something that’s achieved a level of greatness that none of the other Behemoth albums have ever come close to reaching.

Nergal’s vocals are top notch throughout all of “Evangelion” from the all out yells to his mighty growls and never seem strained or too forced. As always, the lyrics are both creative and inspiring, which only add to improve the feel of the songs. As I mentioned before, the level of technicality that Behemoth has reached on this album is much higher than anything else that they’ve released. Songs like “Transmigrating Beyond Realms Ov Amenti” prove this right off the bat from the opening riff, which is both heavy, and complex. Not only are the riffs created by Nergal and Seth more technical, but they’re also incredibly memorable. Just try listening to “Ov Fire and the Void” for the first time and not repeat it again for the sake of hearing the main riff over and over again.

As for the rhythm section of Orion and Inferno, both have made improvements in their playing. Orion is now clearly audible throughout most of the album, and often times makes creative runs of his own throughout a song to add more feel while still providing a thick low end. Inferno, who was already a modern day drum messiah to begin with, has somehow increased his playing abilities to the point of attaining a god-like status as a drummer. His playing his both blindingly fast, as well as immensely precise in each song.

Overall, this is Behemoth at its best. Relentless, heavy, and truly epic. Stand out tracks: “Diamonos”, “Ov Fire and the Void”, Transmigrating Beyond Realms Ov Amenti”, and “Lucifer.”

Although I have rarely felt that an album has deserved a full 100%, I strongly feel that this will not only be a prime contender for metal album of the year with enough push behind it to win over all other albums, but I also feel that this has the potential to be considered a classic, and standard setter by many people from here on out. For these reasons, I’m awarding this album with a perfect score.