The Satanist

Considered by many as the magnum opus of the polish blackened death powerhouse Behemoth, The Satanist is one of the most widespread blackened death metal - or anything closely related to black metal for that matter - albums out there. It’s quite easy to see why this album has enjoyed such popularity even among non-metalheads. Behemoth have toned down their technicality, upped their production values and added orchestral elements that give the album quite a grand sound. Hell, there’s even some very obvious rock influence in some of these tracks; something Behemoth have never showcased on their earlier works.

A more seasoned metal listener will quickly notice that the band has kept things quite simple when it comes to the band instrumentation. No technical riffing, fancy drumming or crazy bass solos to be seen on this album. Instead Behemoth has opted for a more simplistic and groovy approach, letting the arrangements such as trumpets, saxophones and all sorts of ambient noises bring depth to the music. This is a big change of direction from Behemoth’s previous album, Evangelion, where arrangements like these were kept to a minimum and the depth and intensity of the music came straight from the band itself as they played at a much higher technical level than on this album. There are however still tracks here that possess that old Behemoth sound and energy, such as Furor Divinus and Amen.

As the band has made way for the aforementioned arrangements, the lack of hooks becomes apparent. All of these songs are quite calculated and honestly not very complicated. It seems like Behemoth has prioritised live playability during the writing of this album, trading blistering speed and technicality for more a straightforward and atmospheric approach. This does reduce the musical depth of the album, even with all the extra arrangements, and that unfortunately leads to a reduced listening lifespan; this album sounds great during the first few listens, but loses most of its substance quite quickly.

Nergal’s vocals are as great as ever with a slightly more expressive tone this time. Lyrically the album doesn’t differ much from the band’s previous material. The message is the same it has always been with Behemoth and with very clearly expressed lyrics such as “I saw the virgins cunt spawning forth a snake” and “I believe in Satan, who rend both heavens and earth, and in the Antichrist”, you may want to come up with something else as background music for family dinner.

When it comes to the band’s performance, there isn’t really that much to say. Most of the riffing on this album is pretty basic black/blackened death metal stuff that won’t raise any eyebrows. There are however some noteworthy solos on songs like Messe Noire and O Father O Satan O Sun! with clear as day rock influence. Not something you’d expect to hear in a blackened death metal album but they do fit in quite nicely. Inferno’s drumming is solid as always, though nowhere near as complex as on Behemoth’s previous records. The album has been mixed well with all instruments being easily audible (Yes, that includes the bass) even during all the arrangements. Production-wise The Satanist is a very clean and polished sounding album. No disgustingly filthy slabs of gritty polish black metal brutality to be found here, only crystal clear, neatly packed and easily digestible blackened death metal anthems for the whole family! Well…maybe not quite but you get the point; this is a very “easy” album to listen to and surely a gateway album into extreme metal for many.

Whether or not you appreciate the trade-off of technicality for atmosphere, it has to be admitted that this album is a very well-crafted piece of extreme music. There are no songs that stick out because of their shortcomings. Though it has to be said that not every single song on this record brings something new to the table either. Behemoth has played it safe for the most part but the end result is – while not necessarily very exciting for more experienced metalheads – a well rounded blackened death LP with catchy songs, great atmosphere and a very clean – some might even say sterile – production.