Behemoth Unleashes Blistering New Single ‘Sowing Salt’ and Album ‘The Shit Ov God’
Polish extreme metal titans Behemoth have unleashed their sonic fury with the release of their highly anticipated 13th studio album, "The Shit Ov God", via Nuclear Blast Records. Alongside the album drop, the band has premiered a visually stunning and brutally intense music video for the single, "Sowing Salt".
Nergal, the mastermind behind Behemoth, describes "Sowing Salt" as "arguably one of the most brutal compositions in Behemoth's catalog to date. Unrelenting. Unapologetic. Absolute." The music video, directed by Zev Deans (known for his work with Ghost and Mayhem), perfectly complements the song's ferocity with post-apocalyptic and retro-futuristic imagery. This continues Behemoth's trend of pushing boundaries both musically and visually, while staying true to their established thematic virulence.
"The video was directed by Zev Deans, with whom we've had the pleasure to collaborate before. He's crafted a visual that powerfully completes the song — musically and lyrically. And the lyrics? Just as radical and confrontational as music itself," Nergal stated.
"The Shit Ov God" is not for the faint of heart. It's a defiant plunge into the depths of humanity, divinity, and the meaning of defiance, as Nergal explains, "We chose this provocative title deliberately, rejecting subtlety in favor of a direct and polarizing statement... daring to seek the absolute even in the gutter." The cover art, featuring an inverted Christogram, adds another layer of complexity to the album's already challenging themes.
Musically, "The Shit Ov God" sees Behemoth returning to a more epic and focused death metal sound, reminiscent of their earlier work but with a modern edge. Reviewers note the album's strong songwriting and memorable riffs, particularly highlighting tracks like "Sowing Salt" and the title track.
Ghost Cult Magazine praises the album, stating, "This is a return to an older, more epic Death Metal sound... This album is less compromising than the last... making this the band’s strongest effort since Evangelion." They also commend Nergal's deliberate vocal delivery, which sets Behemoth apart from many other death metal bands where the growls are simply an afterthought.
The album's production, helmed by Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios, perfectly captures the band's natural sound while maintaining their signature mayhem. The visuals, a collaboration between Bartek Rogalewicz and Dark Sigil Workshop, are equally impressive, creating a cohesive and ominous aesthetic.
"The Shit Ov God" Track Listing:
- The Shadow Elite
- Sowing Salt
- The Shit Ov God
- Lvciferaeon
- To Drown The Svn In Wine
- Nomen Barbarvm
- O Venvs, Come!
- Avgvr (The Dread Vvltvre)
With "The Shit Ov God", Behemoth continues to push the boundaries of extreme metal, solidifying their position as one of the genre's most influential and uncompromising forces. Will this album be the pinnacle of their career, or just another step in their evolution? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on Behemoth's new album and single? Let us know in the comments below!