Behemoth – A Forest EP
Metal Blade Records
Release Date: 29/05/2020
Running Time: 19:15
Review by Tammy Lomax
10/10
Hello again you lovely lot, I hope you are all doing well during the mayhem, it’s all a bit surreal! On the other hand, the weather has been stunning! I cannot explain in actual words how honoured I am right now, All the squeaks! Please, let me tell you why. I have the opportunity to share my opinion on Behemoth’s EP “A Forest” which was released by Metal Blade Records, on the 29th May 2020.
Arggghhhhh! The excitement is literally bursting out of me. I have been a huge, HUGE fan of Behemoth since I began my little journey in the metal world. I was introduced to them through a close friend, who honestly, in my opinion was the master of all things Black Metal. He knew his music and then some! His enthusiasm just hooked me, sitting in the passenger seat, he popped it on through the car stereo, and boom! The more I listened the more I fell in love with them.
Coming from Poland in 1991, Behemoth are considered to have birthed the Polish Metal underground scene. A colossal amount of metal band’s inspirations actually come from Behemoth, hardly surprising as they are the bee’s knees.
As soon as my fingers touched play, I was straight into the Behemoth vibe. There’s a great aura poking you promptly. ‘A Forest’ opens up this 4 tracked EP, elegantly and fearlessly. The drums made me solidify, then when the vocals hit my ears, I became a goopy mess. Grasping my morning coffee, I instantly thought to myself, what a perfect way to start my day! The faster rhythm slides in like butter and It is so risqué! A very basic track if you don’t mind me saying, but it’s just wonderfully emotional.
The second track is a repeat of ‘A Forest’, but performed live in Warsaw, Poland in 2018 at the Merry Christless show. I appreciate the creativity of putting the mastered version of ‘A Forest’ alongside a live version of the track; it’s something I feel Behemoth can get away with. Now, in this day and age, from a band with such high eminence, we surely expect perfection, both live and in the studio? Well you won’t be left disappointed. Here, Behemoth sound sharp, and more importantly, on point. For this live performance they called ‘Niklas Kvarforth’ from Shining to join the stage, and the atmosphere is so bewildering! These emotions of mine are flying around and I ought to get a grip! It felt as though I was amongst the crowd, growing more and more passionate! This was actually the last day of the Behemoth tour and you can definitely feel their energy and performance on stage.
I found myself questioning ‘Is it normal to be this excited about the next track?’ as I sat, literally looking like a big numpty, during my commute on the train! I was masked up though, so hopefully no-one noticed my odd expression! Wearing a mask indubitably has its perks!
‘Shadows Ov Ea Cast Upon Golgother’ is the 3rd track on the E.P, and I decided to ramp it up on my earphones. It’s fast, and the vocals are hard and rustic, they really know how to build you up. They get a little faster with each section, and you’re on the edge, waiting. If you know Behemoth, then you will understand me when I say, “it’s coming”! And my oh my indeed it was. As they work the bass into the drums, the insane speeds on the guitars come out of nowhere, the smile on my face was HUGE! I felt so stimulated. I love the messy instrumental section before it ends, it’s effulgent. 👌
‘Evoe’ ends the E.P, and with it, Behemoth are instantly throwing their divine magic at you. I sense it’s even possible they are teasing us slightly with a hint of a new sound. It’s more industrial in certain parts throughout the track, but it’s not totally clear. They are just hitting you with their carnage, their beautifully executed carnage, #myfacemelted!
So, all in, I would say I don’t care if I just burst into a million pieces after such a short E.P. These Polish monsters of metal just keep giving us a little bit more. I really ought to point out the artwork too. It is very cultivated, and I confidently feel it captures Behemoth’s new chapter, maybe a slight glimpse and small offering before they emotionally smash us to smithereens with album 12? Who knows, all I know is I can’t bloody wait.
I have to thank Mr Editor for letting me dig my teeth into this one, it means the absolute world.
TRACKLISTING:
01. A Forest (feat. Niklas Kvarforth).
02. A Forest (live from Merry Christless, Warsaw, Poland, December 2018).
03. Shadows ov Ea Cast Upon Golgother.
04. Evoe.
LINE – UP:
NERGAL – Rhythm, Lead and Acoustic Guitars, Throat, New Aeon Propaganda and War Strategy
INFERNO – Drums ov Annihilation and Artillery
ORION – Low End Frequencies and Fornication
SETH – Rhythm and Lead Guitars
LINKS:
www.behemoth.pl/
www.facebook.com/behemoth
www.twitter.com/behemothband
www.instagram.com/behemothofficial
www.behemoth.lnk.to/youtube
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Tammy Lomax and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.