While some may have thought the days of streaming shows were now behind us, Behemoth reemerged to show that is not quite the case. Few artists have embraced the digital drama quite like Nergal.
Earlier in the year the Poles performed In Absentia Dei and such was the response to their set played out against a backdrop of a medieval church that they’ve elevated things to even greater heights this time with an even bigger and bolder cinematic production, under the masterful direction of Dariusz Szermanowicz
Ostensibly, XXX Years Ov Blasphemy’is something of a career celebration with Behemoth performing songs through the decades with three mini sets – each telling a story of sorts within itself. The first of these is The Forest although the setting is far from a picturesque country amble.
Instead, the setting is a hostile barren Slavonic woodland across which Behemoth roll out a tapestry of suitably demonic verses including ‘Chant of the Eastern Lands’, ‘Summoning of the Ancient Ones’ and one of their earliest tracks ‘Cursed Angel of Doom’.
The first sequence is shot in mono to heighten the bleakness of the surroundings before the colour breaks through in the second phase, The Path of Via Dolorosa. While the aesthetics may appear brighter, the tone and texture of Behemoth’s bludgeoning sound is no less hostile as they tear into ‘The Thousand Plagues I Witness’ against a backdrop of crucifixes driven into the sandy surface.
The presence of a demon goat head signals the start of ‘Heru Ra Ha: Let There Be Might’ as the intensification is reflected with fires breaking out all around as Nergal bellows “Hail Satan” against a near blood red backdrop.
The Desecrated Temple is the concluding chapter, with ‘Demigod’ opening up on the most eye-catching of the three locations, an ancient setting of pillars and columns set deep within a wooded land, shot brilliantly against an almost entirely grey light.
‘Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer’ is a standout as of course is the now inevitable epic finale of ‘O Father, O Satan, O Sun’.
There is still time to book your slot at the high table for this blast of Behemoth – For tickets click here. You’ve got until this Sunday, November 7, to view (3pm GMT). You can get a taste of the action here with ‘Christians To The Lions’.
