On April 30th, 2024, Polish extreme metal titans Behemoth shattered the hallowed halls of the Philharmonie de Paris. In a performance that defied expectations and reverberated through the Parisian night, Behemoth became the first-ever metal band to grace the stage of this prestigious concert venue. This historic event wasn’t just about breaking new ground, it was a celebration of Behemoth’s impressive 33-year career, marked by a setlist littered with deep cuts for the legions of fans eagerly awaiting their sonic assault.
“Legions! Today is the day!” proclaimed Behemoth frontman Nergal in a pre-show message, inviting fans to join them “online at the legendary Philharmonie de Paris for the venue’s first metal show EVER.” The anticipation was palpable, not just for the historic setting but also for the promise of a unique setlist.
And Behemoth did not disappoint. Deviating from their usual set openers, they launched into the pulverizing “Once Upon a Pale Horse,” setting the tone for a night of unrelenting darkness. Classics like “Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer” and “Conquer All” kept the energy high, but the true gems were the unearthed treasures.
For the first time since 2017, “Demigod” roared back to life, a testament to Behemoth’s early black metal roots. Similarly, tracks like “From the Pagan Vastlands” (last performed live in 2009) and “Lasy Pomorza” (absent since 2017) were dusted off and unleashed upon the Parisian crowd. These deep cuts served as a potent reminder of Behemoth’s evolution, showcasing the raw aggression that continues to fuel their music.
The setlist wove a tapestry of both brutality and atmosphere. The haunting beauty of “Cursed Angel of Doom” contrasted perfectly with the anthemic “Chwała mordercom Wojciecha (997-1997 dziesięć wieków hańby).” The inclusion of “Messe Noire,” last performed live in 2018, further emphasized the band’s mastery of atmosphere and black metal theatrics.
But Behemoth isn’t just about revisiting the past. The closing section of the set featured fan favorites like “No Sympathy for Fools” and the ever-powerful “Decade of Therion.” The night culminated in a blistering rendition of “O Father O Satan O Sun!,” leaving the audience in a state of ecstatic awe.
The historic performance at the Philharmonie de Paris wasn’t just a celebration of Behemoth’s past; it also hinted at their exciting future. In a recent interview with the Everblack podcast, frontman Nergal revealed his sole focus for 2024 is the creation of new Behemoth music.
“I have no Me And That Man music in me for some reason anymore,” he admitted, referring to his side project. “All the rest, it’s gonna be dedicated like full-on Behemoth.”
With such a singular focus, and fueled by the momentum of this historic event, one can only imagine the sonic devastation Behemoth will unleash with their next album. Fans everywhere can rejoice, for the future of Behemoth seems as potent and blasphemous as ever.
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