Resonance - Behemoth – I, Scvlptor
Behemoth – I, Scvlptor 8/10
Poland’s Behemoth are titans within the black metal genre. With such popularity comes criticism. Accusations that their last album saw the band merely coasting plagued its release. Less than a year later is the new album I, Scvlptor Described by Nergal (Guitars Vocals) “an autonomous work that bridges our past with what is new and fresh”
I, Scvlptor is not just a “compilation” but a glimpse into their future.’’ I, Scvlptor’’ is a track that is a brooding mid paced affair full of the bands trademark majesty but contains a lurking darkness underneath, the slower pace allows the terrific riffing to accentuate the grandeur, yet contains an ever-present antagonistic edge, once the intensity kicks in is pure behemoth with Inferno’s drumming always excellent. ‘’ Lord Ov The Horizons’’ is a gothic-infused track that contains clean vocals and some clean picking, it is the most diverse and potentially divisive track Behemoth have created in ten years yet loses none of their menace or power, proof that something big is coming for future releases, the guitar work and double kicks are excellent. “Begotten” is a track unreleased from The Shit Ov God sessions and is representative of that period
The reworking of their own ‘’ Rise of The Blackstorm Of Evil’’ and ‘’In Thy Pandemaeternum’’ from both 1993 and 1998, respectively get the modern Behemoth interpretation, still recognisable but given that fresh, majestic, epic edge. The blistering covers of Venom’s in League with Satan, (Featuring Shagrath of Dimmu Borgir,) and Bathory’s ‘’ The Return Of Darkness And Evil” ( featuring Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ) are glorious, furious celebrations of Black metal’s history and power.
I, Scvlptor is part revelation to the future, recognising their own past and celebration of the genre in general. It is without doubt the most interesting thing that Behemoth has done in quite some time, their exemplary musicianship has never been in doubt, but the fresh creative ideas on the new tracks indicate an exciting, significant change for the future.
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