(LP/CD, Massacre Records / Nuclear Blast, 2026)
BEHEMOTH have been an unstoppable force in the Metal scene, releasing music that is always supported by equally impressive visuals, whether in the form of music videos or stage productions. I believe this is a fact regardless of whether one likes their music or not. Most importantly, the Polish band has continued to operate at this high-quality level, almost going against the grain of the current challenging economics. Taking full advantage of the steam BEHEMOTH have built with their recent touring, they now drop “I, Scvlptor”, which interestingly is being released by two record labels for its physical and digital formats.
I would still be buying this EP even if “I, Scvlptor” were the only new song and the rest were live recordings. Of course, the music video BEHEMOTH released for this mainly mid-tempo and imposing song is a contributing factor. The song and lyrics feel evil, but not in the usual way; instead, they create a sinister feeling that you simply cannot escape. It draws you in and keeps you hooked. The Luciferian concept dominates the lyrics, but the listener is free, and welcomed, to add their own interpretation.
Impressively enough, “Lord Ov The Horizons” challenges “I, Scvlptor” as the best of the two new songs. Nergal disturbs the established BEHEMOTH balance with his clean vocals and subtly distorted guitar chords. The contrast with his trademark harsh singing adds to the overall atmosphere, which feels directly connected to “O Father O Satan O Sun!”. There is a sense of grandeur and immense power, especially during the faster part where Nergal calls upon Apollo, whose presence connects directly to the Luciferian theme as another light- and knowledge-bearing figure. Musically, the song follows the BEHEMOTH blueprint, slowly building tension and creating an engulfing darkness that, in the end, feels strangely welcoming rather than frightening.
“Rise Of The Blackstorm Of Evil” resurfaces from the 1993 “The Return Of The Northern Moon” demo, but this time through the current BEHEMOTH artistic lens. One could easily consider the 2026 version a brand-new song, as it has moved far away from the repetitive riffing and guttural, single-dimensional approach of the original. The added layers and expanded drumming give the song an epic atmosphere, presenting the lyric “Lucifer give me the power to rise” in a shivers-down-your-spine kind of way. Similarly, “In Thy Pandemaeternum”, originally from 1998’s “Pandemonic Incantations”, has been brought closer to the current BEHEMOTH sound, although musically it stays closer to the original with fewer added elements. Nergal's singing is the biggest difference and what makes this version follow the thread connecting all the studio recordings on this EP. For both re-recordings, you can equally enjoy the old and new versions and even treat them as different entities. “Begotten” belongs to “The Shit Ov God” writing sessions, and this is probably why seasoned BEHEMOTH ears will notice some connection to the sound of “The Shadow Elite”. It is still a very good song, although compared to the rest of the EP it may stand a step lower.
Then, it is time to have some fun with the rest of the EP and its two awesome covers. VENOM’s “In League With Satan” has not simply been BEHEMOTH-ized; it becomes even more ritualistic, with a lovely echo on the guitar solo, while DIMMU BORGIR's Shagrath joins Nergal on an already killer original. Still, it is the BATHORY cover that wins the unofficial “covers” race. “The Return Of Darkness And Evil” was recorded live in Athens, Greece, with ROTTING CHRIST's Sakis Tolis adding an extra flavor to this massive BATHORY original. His Greek “ξύλο” call to the moshpit is simply the cherry on top.
The EP closes with the rough mix of “Lord Ov The Horizons”, which interestingly sounds even more sinister and haunting than the final mix. The vocals sit higher in the mix, and if you listen with headphones, you may get shivers down your spine, fearing that someone is watching you. And maybe they are.
“I, Scvlptor” is not a release simply meant to fill the gap. It is another statement that BEHEMOTH continue to shape the genre, having established an identity of their own through music and lyrics that have the potential to activate more parts of one's brain than just those used for listening. The Polish giants have become one of those bands where I am always looking forward to the next piece of music and the next tour.
Keep scvlpting...
10/10
Links:
www.Behemoth.Pl
www.FaceBook.Com/Behemoth
www.Instagram.Com/BehemothOfficial
Tracklist:
01. I, Scvlptor
02. Lord Ov The Horizons
03. Rise Of The Blackstorm Of Evil
04. In Thy Pandemaeternum
05. Begotten
06. In League With Satan
07. The Return Of Darkness And Evil
08. Lord Ov The Horizons
Lineup:
Nergal - Vocals, Guitars
Inferno - Drums
Orion - Bass, Synthesizers