Extreme metal giants BEHEMOTH have revealed the title, cover art, and release date of their upcoming new opus, The Shit Ov God, which is due to be released on May 9 via Nuclear Blast Records. Alongside the title track, which is streaming now, an opulent music video premiered at 10am ET today.
BEHEMOTH have always been known for not shying away from controversy, and they most certainly remain true to this approach with their 13th full-length. Here's a band that, 34 years in, is releasing its most inflammatory and extreme record to date. Eight songs that go into the fathoms of humanity, divinity, and what defiance means in an age where individuality is prized but everyone is clinging to their saviors — musically, politically, or otherwise. The title of the album is in line with those sensibilities.
Intentionally polarizing, founder and frontman Nergal says of the title, "We chose this provocative title deliberately, rejecting subtlety in favor of a direct and polarizing statement. It's a defiant plunge into the depths, daring to seek the absolute even in the gutter."
But make no mistake, despite its apparent insubtlety, the album title gets a touch of genius when seen in combination with the strikingly clever artwork, which depicts an upside-down version of the most common Christogram "IHS."
NERGAL commented, "I've reached a point in Behemoth's journey and my own creativity where words and statements mean less and less. The true essence of who we are and what we stand for lies in our music, our art, our visuals, our sounds, our performances, and the ways we connect with you. I deeply believe Behemoth represents transcendent, timeless art.
"The number thirteen—so magical and significant. If this were to be our final album, I could say I die a proud man. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the most refined, purest representation of Behemoth. No filler, no excess — just the very best we have to offer, handed to you.
"Hail Satan."
BEHEMOTH meticulously chose the audiovisual artists involved on the album. Production on the album was helmed by the inimitable Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios (Emperor, Enslaved, Kreator, Rotting Christ et al.). Working closely with the band, Bogren's deft hand underscored the band's natural sound while sacrificing none of the mayhem and ferocity which permeates the band's essence. As is always the case with Behemoth, the visuals were as carefully constructed as the sound. The band tapped long-time collaborator and partner in crime Bartek Rogalewicz (BLACK.LODGE.IS.NOW) as well as Dark Sigil Workshop to make the beautifully ominous and unique cover-art.
Don't forget to catch BEHEMOTH live on their Unholy Trinity headline tour with Satyricon and Rotting Christ in Europe. Tickets are available here.
PRE-ORDER + PRE-SAVE THE ALBUM THE SHIT OV GOD HERE
LISTEN TO THE SINGLE "THE SHIT OV GOD" HERE
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR "THE SHIT OV GOD" BELOW.
