When I first started delving into the realms of Satanism a few years ago, what I interpreted it to be was an open defiance to the institutions of organized religion. While that may not be wrong, it did happen to represent so much more; realism, freedom of thought, the acceptance of human nature as it is, and dare I say it a little more elaborated, a huge middle finger to everything established under the words in books, centuries old, and primitively written.

It’s rare for such an ideology to intensely manifest itself into physical form, but when it does, it is no surprise that its creators be Polish overlords and extreme metal titans Behemoth. ‘The Satanist’ album from 2014 marks the beginning of arguably one of the most defining chapter in the band’s lifetime, and started a tidal wave of unholy events. ‘Messe Noire’ is the band’s upcoming live experience made with the help of director Dariusz Szermanowicz and Grupa 13 production company, featuring the band’s complete live set from Warsaw, Poland in 2016, and Brutal Assault 2016.

Behemoth as a live band, annihilates every single soul, every single time, for which the proof exists in both the live footages. In the former. The band has a remarkably eerie atmosphere on stage from their mid-song rituals, light shows to Nergal being an anarchic frontman, nothing stopping him from getting the message across. The show begins with Seth, Orion and Inferno creepily still, while Nergal begins with a ritual and ensues with the opening song, “Blow your Trumpets Gabriel”. The band then continues to play masterpieces from the 2014 album each of them delivered brutally well alongside classic fan favorites from their previous albums, such as “Ov Fire and the Void”, “Conquer All”, and “Slaves Shall Serve”. My personal favorite however stays forever, “Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer”. The attention to detail in the footage for that performance could not have been done better, from the drum and guitar cams, to the slow motions and stage props.

The second footage from the Brutal Assault festival 2016, showcases a very similar setlist aside from a few songs executed effortlessly by the band. What can be understood from both the footages is that Behemoth makes it very clear that its presence will be felt, feared, respected and it stays that way. The band has had a notorious reputation for a very long time which shows no signs of going easy, and it seems to working in the band’s favor.

Messe Noire is indeed an experience worth the while for every fan a part of the legion that have never got to experience the band live. (I join thy ranks, fellow comrades) The band is captured as one entire entity, moving, performing  and delivering towards one purpose, while looking absolutely chaotic in the process. I think that the entire project has been nailed perfectly (Ever so subtle pun involved there).

‘Messe Noire’ captures the bands live experience vividly, displays every raw emotion, is definitely an instant fan favorite, and is 100% capable of hurting religious sentiment! It showcases the band’s ability as performers and musicians alike, and how much effort was put into manifesting an all sensory stimulating masterpiece! Messe Noire is out April 13th!