🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: I’m Unholy One (Reality is in Evil… demo ’94)
Track 2: Ave Satani (Reality is in Evil… demo ’94)
Track 3: Reality is in Evil (Reality is in Evil… demo ’94)
Track 4: Thanatos (Reality is in Evil… demo ’94)
Track 5: Beyond the Dark Graves (Eternal Realm demo ’97)
Track 6: The Queen of Blood & Lust (Eternal Realm demo ’97)
Track 7: The Land of the Trolls (Eternal Realm demo ’97)
Track 8: Eternal Realm (Eternal Realm demo ’97)
Track 9: Derision for Jesus (Eternal Realm demo ’97)
Track 10: Outro (Eternal Realm demo ’97)
🎸 Album Review:
Finnish black metal outfit Behexen is no stranger to the extreme realms of music, and their latest offering, “Beyond The Four Gates,” is a raw and unbridled journey into darkness. The album is a compilation of their early demo recordings, showcasing the band’s evolution through the years and their unwavering dedication to the black metal genre.
From the opening track, “I’m Unholy One,” it is evident that Behexen’s sound is deeply rooted in the traditional black metal aesthetic. The raw and primitive production quality adds to the sinister atmosphere of the music, with abrasive guitars, thunderous drums, and guttural vocals creating a cacophony of chaos. The band’s sound is characterized by relentless aggression and a sense of malevolence that permeates every track on the album.
Thematically, “Beyond The Four Gates” delves into the occult, darkness, and anti-Christian sentiments, which are common themes in black metal music. The lyrics are filled with blasphemous imagery and esoteric references, painting a bleak and nihilistic picture of the world. Behexen’s uncompromising approach to their music and lyrics is a testament to their commitment to the black metal ethos.
Standout tracks on the album include “Reality is in Evil,” “Beyond the Dark Graves,” and “Derision for Jesus.” “Reality is in Evil” showcases Behexen’s signature sound with its relentless blast beats and ominous guitar riffs, while “Beyond the Dark Graves” introduces a more melodic element to their music, adding layers of complexity to their sound. “Derision for Jesus” is a scathing critique of organized religion, with venomous vocals and aggressive instrumentation driving home the band’s anti-Christian message.
In comparison to Behexen’s previous albums, “Beyond The Four Gates” offers a glimpse into the band’s formative years and the raw energy that defined their early sound. While their later releases may showcase a more polished and refined approach to black metal, this compilation serves as a reminder of Behexen’s roots and the unbridled passion that fueled their music in the beginning.
The overall impact of “Beyond The Four Gates” is one of nostalgia and reverence for Behexen’s early days. The album captures a raw and primal energy that is often missing in modern black metal, harkening back to a time when the genre was still underground and shrouded in mystery. Behexen’s uncompromising dedication to their craft is evident in every track, making this compilation a must-have for fans of true and authentic black metal.
In conclusion, “Beyond The Four Gates” is a testament to Behexen’s legacy in the black metal scene and a powerful reminder of the genre’s roots. With its raw and unrelenting sound, the album is a celebration of darkness and a defiant statement against the status quo. Behexen continues to push the boundaries of black metal with their uncompromising approach, and “Beyond The Four Gates” stands as a testament to their enduring legacy in the realm of extreme music.