Behemoth
Behemoth is a monster of a band hailing from the land of Poland. They started out as a primitive sounding black metal band and has evolved into an all around metal assault on the past few releases. Mainman Nergal was kind enough to answer these questions for me. Enjoy......
Interview by Josh Anxt
What is the name of the new album and what label is releasing it?
ZOS KIA CULTUS ( Here and beyond) and the company is Avantgarde Music for the third time.
When will American fans be able to get it?
Pretty soon actually. Century Media US puts the record out in States, and they scheduled the release date for 11th of February. One month to go.
While on the subject of American fans, will we get to see Behemoth on a proper U.S. tour?
Yez, thats what we r talking about now, with century crew. I must say they r really into bringing us there and there is some serious plans to tour States in March. Weve been also invited for the METAL MELTDOWN new jersey fest. Its high time man for a band thats been around for 12 years and 6 albums released it is for sure. Its our biggest priority for this year.
You have been using the same bass player for live purposes for a few years now(I think?), but you record the bass tracks on the albums, why not make him an official member and have him record?
Novy does all the bass lines and is a live member but the reason hes still session is that he has duties for 2 more bands, where hes permanent member. Dies Irae and
Devilyn Im talking about...its the easiest way to work, believe me. And still hes dedicated to the band even as a session member only so hes a good guy, Great show man and instrumentalist.
You have always called yourselves Pagan Black metal since you started in 1991. And i have found this to be a good description of your early stuff. But, starting with Satanica, I felt you went more in a death metal direction. Do you still consider it Pagan Black Metal?
U can say socbut I started to ignore labelscits so limitating. We r what we r. If people enjoy it, thats great., thats what counts...not what we call it. Do U know what I mean ?! We r extreme metal..thats for sure. But I wouldnt call us a pure death metal band. We have something more to offer than gore lysrics and boring attitude. I believe we still have black metal approach to what we do...its more spiritual than the stuff u see around. But thats just my opinion.
One of the main reasons I say it is more death metal now I think has a lot to do with your vocal style. It was once in the higher range like black metal usually is. But starting on Satanica it went more into a throaty/deeper range similar maybe to Glen Benton on the first Deicide album except with no effects. And I recently heard samples of the new stuff and your even lower. Is it a conscious decision to change your vocal style or is it a natural progression?
Its natural...I hardly can control thesedays....In case u ask, Im not able to this high pitched vocals anymore, no...ha ha...
One of my all time favorite Behemoth songs is Driven by the Five Winged Star. I like it because its not typical of your sound. Its got a slower tempo and the riffs are more epic sounding like old school metal. Any chance of exploring this sound further in the future? And could you tell me what you were thinking at the time of writing that song?
Maybe, dunno..its hard to say what well do. What U can be sure is that we will keep metal and more extreme for sure. Artistically we go in so many different directions, yet keeping it Behemoth way so....
Behemoth always seems to have a good visual side to it. From the awesome looking photo sessions and album covers to the sleek looking website. How important is the visual image of the band to you?
Very important. Thats the first impression that counts when people see U for the first time...they listen to your music and read the lyrics/interviews so...many bands give no shit bout the look, we do opposite. Its the part of the whole concept. Very detailed and special for this band...
It is pretty obvious that your not a fan of Christianity. In your words can you tell us how you feel about it?
Its boring, lifeless, pointless, hypocritec any more ?!
I used to read interviews with Vader and they would talk about how the Polish government would fuck with them and how they didnt even play shows in Poland for a number of years. Has the Polish government ever given Behemoth any problems?
No, it belongs to the past. Of course, there r dickheads, who dont like see bands like Vader or Behemoth grow big, tour and stuff...but its better now. Way better...actually Vader is over touring Poland lately so it has to be better as u see ha ha..
What are some of your favorite bands of all time? Metal and non-metal?
Morbid Angel, The Nephilim, Danzig, NIN, Monster Magnet , Slayer, Misfits...the list is endless. I like a lot of different stuff
What bands are you currently listening to?
New Danzig album is great, also Songs for the deaf Queens of the stone age is one of the best albums lately ! Last hate Eternal and Nile albums r perfect ! I Love that stuff too...
What can we expect from Behemoth in the years to come?
Some intense touring, both continents I hope ! A lot of touring really we might release some limited edition ep, or dvd this year. To keep the name around
And 7th album in 2004 for sure... resting is not for the conquerors !
Any last words you would like to say to those reading this?
Stay strong ! Never give in ! Check out ZOS KIA CULTUS ! A real piece of metal ! thanx for your time !
www.behemoth.metalkings.com
www.avantgardemusic.com
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