Behemoth Zos Kia Cultus (Here and Beyond)

Behemoth are a maelstrom of unmatched speed and technical mastery. They have released six full-length albums with "Zos Kia Cultus" being their latest, and second, for American-based Olympic Recordings. Before getting into specifics, this is quite possibly the best release that the blackish death metal genre has to offer, so prepare for an onslaught of method and mayhem from "Here and Beyond." Nergal, Behemoth's lead guitarist has created a war-like battle scene throughout this epic 44-minute black/death album. Literally, the powerful neck-breaking "Here and Beyond" (track 3) is enough to pillage and burn a mass of terrorists with no qualms, arguably one of this record's best.The torment that Behemoth induces on "The Harlot of the Saints" and "As Above So Below" is enough to breakdown the toughest opponent, leaving them sulking in a pit of despair. Although the ultimate triumph of "Zos Kia Cultus is" the album opener "Horns of Baphomet." The blasting ferocity and ending containing a strategically placed, Nile-esqe acoustic that sets the stage for the oncoming bloodbath within its vast heap of greatness. Nergal's musical genius brings to mind the likes of Erik Rutan of Hate Eternal fame, in the respect that both wrote all their respective band's material and produced/recorded their releases themselves. The amount of sheer talent that goes into a production such as "Zos Kia Cultus" is immeasureable. Nergal should be commended and given an award for his creation, as Behemoth has without a doubt struck gold, and the metal scene is reaping its profits. Bottom Line: Everyone who has ever called themselves "metal," should be well aware of "Zos Kia Cultus." For lack of better words, it's fucking amazing. Behemoth is not only this genre's greatest, but this album is by far and away the finest blackish death offering to date by any band. I would be hard pressed to say that metal will ever see a finer moment than this. I'm seriously in awe of Behemoth for their accomplishments on this album. Stunning, magnificent, and crushing are all words that easily describe "Zos Kia Cultus." But keep in mind, this is not your ordinary black/death album, it's the best! Sorry Nile, you just don't cut it anymore.