Behemoth — Evangelion

Behemoth have been on one hell of a roll in the past couple of years after two decades in the underground — "hell" being the operative word here.

The Polish death metal band truly made their mark in North America in 2004 with a modern classic in Demigod and followed that up with 2007's The Apostasy. Although the riffs may not be as catchy as Demigod's or as technical as The Apostasy's, Evangelion could very well be the band's most sinister and smartest record to date.

Behemoth have always had an abrasive, evil sound, but this time the band's unrelenting pace has slowed down to give songs like "Ov Fire And The Void" and "Alas, Lord Is Upon Me" an ominous, almost doom metal vibe.

Old school fans shouldn't fear, though — there are still blast beats aplenty courtesy Inferno, who has established himself as one of the premier extreme drummers, while frontman Nergal still weaves lighting quick solos around what has to be the most furious growl in all of metal. The blend of technical ferocity, sinister groove and well-placed ambient and choir pieces creates a record that would put a smile on Lucifer's face.

Evangelion isn't just another preposterous collection of anti-Christian rhetoric. Nergal (real name Adam Darski) studied history in university. His knowledge of Aleister Crowley's literary works and the Bible has provided the background for very thought-provoking lyrics and commentary in the album's liner notes.

This level of sonic brutality and intellect makes Evangelion one of the best records in Behemoth's long history and easily one of the best metal albums of the year.

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