Behemoth - I Loved You at Your Darkest (2018)

The most recognized Metal band in Poland makes their unholy return with one of the most devastating releases of 2018. With “I Loved You at Your Darkest”, Behemoth takes all the elements they have been refining over the years and unleashes 46 minutes of truly masterful music that blows away all the high expectations riding on this release. With a ravaging attitude and tons of technical grace, the 12 tracks presented in this album are brilliantly engineered to deliver a crushing blow to Christianity and its acolytes.

Opening with the ominous “Solve”, the band sets a sinister and very dark atmosphere that is further elevated by creepy choir arrangements and brutal riffs as it transitions into “Wolves ov Siberia”. With a firm grasp on relentless brutality, this track inflicts major pain thanks to the intense drumming and violent guitar work. Not letting go, “God = Dog” delivers a consecutive blow of massive drums and hellish vocals from Nergal. The contrast between the choir arrangements and the sickening melodic passages make for one hell of a song that is far from average.

Settling into a steamrolling pace, “Ecclesia Diabolica Catholica” and “Bartzabel” are some of the most melodic and captivating tracks in this release. The guitar leads and the atmospheric elements are just brilliant, showing the band in control of their devastating sound, as well as showcasing their versatility and skill. For those looking for pummeling Black Metal evilness, “Angelvs XIII” is definitely one of the most intense and crushing songs in the album thanks to a sinister pace and high octane drumming.

Focusing on creating very oppressive atmospheres, “Sabbath Mater” and the lush “Havohej Pantocrator” are two highly powerful songs that perfectly blend melodic elements into the band’s crushing overall sound. Closing with “We Are the Next 1000 Years” and “Coagvla”, Behemoth has put out a master class in making captivating music that is both melodic and visceral. With “I Loved You at Your Darkest” Nergal and company are firing on all cylinders and have unleashed one of the most masterful Black/Death Metal releases of all time. We can’t wait to see the band bring these songs to life on their already intense live shows.

Label: Metal Blade Records

Release: October 5th, 2018

Genre: Black/Death Metal

Country: Poland