Behemoth
Demonica (Re-issue)
Rating
Style: Blackened death/thrash
Release date: 21 November, 2011
Playing time: 95:00
 

For diehard fans and collectors of Polish Behemoth, I reckon this 2CD re-issue of historical material from the earliest phases of the band is an absolute must. Authentic is probably the correct term.
 
It's crude, raw, and extremely reliant on the Venom heritage and nothing like the excellent and powerful 'Evangelion' album (2009). When I say nothing like 'Evangelion', I mean that it in my view is almost entirely devoid of qualities - the last track, the re-recorded Spellcraft & Heathendom being the main exception.
 
Some of the material on 'Demonica' has hints of the interesting oriental influences Behemoth are known for (Bless Thee for Granting Me Pain) and instrumental stuff that tries to break boundaries (Goat with a Thousand Young, Monumentum and From Hornedlands to Lindisfarne), but overall, it's just not my thing.
 
To those who are diehard fans of the old Behemoth material: You most likely can't live without this collection. Two CD's, lyrics compiled by Nergal and no less than two booklets (28 and 16 pages respectively!), one of which contains pictures of the band. An impressive package by all means.


Tracklist

Disc 1
01. ...Of My Worship
02. Summoning of the Ancient Gods
03. The Arrival (Instrumental)
04. Dark Triumph
05. Monumentum (Instrumental)
06. Rise of the Blackstorm of Evil
07. Aggressor
08. Goat With a Thousand Young (Instrumental)
09. Bless Thee for Granting Me Pain
10. Cursed Angel of Doom
11. Transylvanian Forest

Disc 2
01. From Hornedlands to Lindisfarne
02. Thy Winter Kingdom
03. Summoning (Of the Ancient Ones)
04. The Dance of the Pagan Flames
05. Blackvisions of the Almighty
06. Fields of Haar-Meggido
07. Deathcrush (Mayhem cover)
08. Moonspell Rites
09. Blackvisions of the Almighty
10. Pure Evil & Hate
11. The Oak Between the Snows (Instrumental)
12. Spellcraft & Heathendom

Label: Metal Blade Records
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Artwork rating: 55/100
Reviewed by: Thomas Nielsen
Date: 14 November, 2011
Website: www.behemoth.pl