When Sculpting The Throne Ov Seth came through my speakers, I knew I was in for a treat. After the fitting and appealing acoustic intro, with a strong Eastern flare, I was pretty much pulverized. I have never heard death metal that is this epic, this big and this abysmal. The organized assault that was put upon my ears was beyond this world.

If you, the reader, aren't sure of what Behemoth is about, currently (they used to be a black metal band), I'd have to say they're about the most epic and apocalyptic death metal band in existence. All of the songs on the album are, without a doubt, of a brutal nature. There are some somewhat mid-paced moments, but I use this term with caution, as the brutality does not cease for a moment. Now, believe it or not, I am usually not all that crazy about brutal music, as much of it is unorganized and undeveloped. Behemoth defies this with rage. The songs are structured extremely well and the musical development, from their early material to even comparisons to other bands, is phenomenal. No one can deny the fact that this band is on top of what they're doing.

I usually do not take much concern of lyrics, however, the lyrics on Demigod are fantastic and worth mention. The lyrics here would certainly have any Thelemic metal fan drooling, not to mention anyone with a fairly deep interest in mythology and history, particularly of the East. Death metal has never sounded so intelligent.

To sum up my review, if you're a death metal fan, you need this album as you do water. For those that aren't too keen on death metal and/or brutal music, you may find Demigod to be quite a treat - give it a shot! For all those that are ordering, prepare to be maimed by the infernal horde known as Behemoth!

The sticker placed on this album makes a bold statment: "'Demigod' is the 'Alters of Madness' of this generation; a truely perfect death metal album." After thoroughly listening to the album, I can only conclude that the above sentiment is actually an UNDERSTATMENT!

"Demigod" may very well be the best death metal album ever recorded. I say this for a number of reasons:

(a) "Demigod" manages to capture the immense musical talents of the three death metal virtuosos who make up Behemoth. You will be hard pressed to find three musicians within this genre of music (or any for that matter) who have completely mastered their instruments to such a degree. Nergal possesses one of the finest death metal voices. Throughout the album he simultaneously mixes his lower death growls with midrange/ higher pitches which create an almost demonic sound to the vocals. In addition, Nergal is an outstanding guitar player who creates some of the most memorable riffs you will hear on any extreme metal album. Orion makes his first appearance as bassist on this album, and does not fail to please, as he matches Nergal's intensity throughout the album. Then there is Inferno, one of the most gifted and fastest drummers you will hear. So much so, that Behemoth has had to endure some accusations that they actually utilized a drum machine in the recording of the album. Though not true, once you hear the sheer speed with which Inferno tears through the songs, you will understand why critics thought otherwise.

(b) Unlike many death metal albums, each song on "Demigod" is distinct. Despite being an enormous fan of extreme music, even I have to concede that there is some truth to the criticism that death metal albums consist of many songs that sound similar (to the point they could play as one long song if the pauses were omitted). With that being said, "Demigod" does not suffer from this fault. Rather, the structure for each song is unique, making each of the songs clearly distinguishable from one another. Furthermore, there are songs on "Demigod" that (dare I say it) are accessible and listener friendly! Make no mistake about it, Behemoth ranks as one of the most extreme metal acts (perhaps second only to Suffocation). Nonetheless, there are some catchy songs on the album (e.g., Demigod, Conquer All, and Slaves Shall Serve). Keep in mind I use the term accessible in the loosest sense, by no means do I feel that someone who is turned off by extreme music will find this album easy to listen to. But to death metal fans, this album will be a feast for the ears!

(c) This is far and away the most extreme, intense, and fastest album ever recorded (or I should say, that I have heard). From the opening song to the very last riff, "Demigod" unleashes an onslaught that NEVER lets up! Even the above mentioned band, the mighty Suffocation, have never released an album so insanely fast. Blast beats are plentiful throughout "Demigod." However, unlike some albums where listeners find their excessive use to be boring and one-dimensional, the heavy reliance on blast beats only enhances this album. They add to the overall intensity, which will energize the listener, whipping him/her into a fury.

(d) The production of "Demigod" is FLAWLESS! This album is the most polished death metal album I have ever heard. All of the instruments shine through with a clarity that is crystal clear. Surprisingly, it is Nergal who produced the album, proving that his talents extend far beyond the stage and his instruments, into the studio as well.

Though "Demigod" is an outstanding album, no recording is without flaws, and "Demigod" is no different. Perhaps the only stylistic flaw that I found is the long instrumental introduction the album's final song "The Reign of Shemsu-Hor." Time wise, this song clocks in at over 8 minutes, with the first 2 1/2 minutes being nothing but the aforementioned instrumental introduction. The intro is powerful; however, it is slow and fairly repetitive. I find myself fast forwarding through the intro or skipping this song all together. The first two minutes serve as somewhat of a lull in an otherwise perfect album.

My only other criticism comes from a personal standpoint that is completely unrelated to the music. Personally, I have never been one to enjoy lyrics that are pagan in nature. I wouldn't call "Demigod" a satanic album, but there are certainly references made to pagan gods as well as inspiration drawn from Alister Crowley. However, I knew of Behemoth's spiritual beliefs before purchasing the album, so by no means was I offended or taken aback, as a Christian its just not my style, but that is me, and by no means should this criticism be taken as a stab at a band as musically talented as Behemoth.

In short, as one other reviewer succinctly stated, "Behemoth are obviously the best at what they do" - I could not state it any better. "Demigod" seems to occupy the space in my CD player more so than any other album I own. I literally see myself eventually wearing this album out from repetitive play...it's that good! Anyone who is a true fan of death metal should do him/herself a favor and buy this album...you will not be disappointed. I can only wonder what Behemoth will do for their next release, as I don't see how it will be possible to top the masterpiece of "Demigod!"

The only time that I have heard the term 'Behemoth' was in the book of Job. God refers to this massive creation as one that ranks first among the works of God, and no man can ever overpower the beast. Poland's Behemoth back their mighty name up with talent, intensity, and a 5-star album with Demigod.

The album opens with the wonderful track 'Sculpting the Throne ov Seth.' The acoustic intro is followed by bone crushing blastbeats and blistering riffs with pin-point accuracy. Nergel's vocals sound great just like any current Behemoth album. The song 'Conquer All' is a fan favorite now. This is one of the most memorable songs off the album. 'Slaves Shall Serve' was very nice live and the closer 'The Reign of Shemsu-Hor' is a magnificant epic track. The drumming done by Inferno is very elite on every track.

For those of you who enjoy the music this band creates, you will like them ten times more live! I saw them when they came back to Los Angeles for the Century Media 'Christmas' show when they played with Nevermore. It was a fantastic live show. All of the members blew everyone away with how talented they are. Their stage presense is very good. These Behemoths in the death metal scene have a album that has a great chance of bearing the title 'Death metal album of the year.' This is a must-have for death metal fans. You will NOT be dissapointed. This was my first album that I purchased...since then I have gotten 'Satanica' which is also VERY good. Demigod is definately 5-star material.

It's been awhile since their last CD, but make no mistake, these guys are still setting the bar for brutal death metal for the next generation. The sound these guys give are like Morbid Angel on steroids, and they have some good songwriting with lots of tempo changes. Yah, they're mostly fast and pummelling, but they have enough variety to pull in metalheads who aren't this extreme.

I don't know what it is about the sound of the drums, but it really does feel like an earthquake...like hell is opening up right in front of you.

Good stuff - if you're into extreme metal, this is a necessity.

Behemoth is the heaviest, most brutal, and most awesome band out of Poland. they are currently one of the best, if not THE BEST, death metal bands out there, playing a sort of blackened DM with absolutely awesome riffs, drumming, and vocals and a sort of melodic contour evoking ancient pre-Christian lands of Sumer, Babylon, and Egypt. Nergal has traveled to a lot of interesting places and i think he has absorbed good inspiration. _Demigod_ is another astonishing release in a catalogue that has been producing amazing black metal and death metal for years now. It is not easy to say why they are so amazing --the blastbeats of drummer Inferno will reduce your bones to powder; the vocals also seem different from most death metal out there, rather than drawn out growls, it sounds like an intense, abrasive cross between singing, yelling, and growling through a throat choking on blood, with lots of multitracking; and the riffs are simply breathtaking and remarkably intricate melodically. But to enumerate reasons for Behemoth's overall greatness seems impossible with a "reductionist" method. _Demigod_ is just a sick rush from beginning to end, and though most of the songs are not long, by sound and grandeur and insane power there are few things more epic sounding in metal. And the band just comes out of the speakers like they want to kill me...as in personally cut my up with an axe or something! That kind of threatening musical power is priceless. Little touches (the heavy and ominous instrumental intro to "The Reign of Shemsu-Hor", the background leads of the "Towards Babylon", acoustic leads of "Sculpting the Throne ov Seth" and "Nephilim Rising", the opening fanfare to the title-track, fer example) add both atmosphere and extra EVIL. So crazy, it almost incited me to rip pages out of my Bible, but it is an important and interesting historical document so I restrained myself. Listen to _Demigod_ at punishing volumes, and BEHEMOTH shall be the name of your destroyer.