Behemoth — The Apostasy

intothewellsabyss
Jul 2, 2023
4 min read

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

16 years ago today, Behemoth took us into the “Inner Sanctum” of “Pazuzu” and told us to “Be Without Fear”!

On this day (July 2) in 2007, Behemoth released their eighth full-length album, “The Apostasy” in Europe & Poland via Regain Records/Mystic Productions (later released via Century Media Records on July 17, 2007 in the US).

Background:

“The Apostasy” was recorded at the Radio Gdańsk Studios from November 2006 till March 2007. The record was then mixed by Daniel Bergstrand in the Dug Out Studio in Uppsala, Sweden in March 2007. Then it was mastered by Bjorn Engelmann in the Cutting Room Studios in Stockholm, Sweden also in March 2007.

Unlike Behemoth's previous studio albums, a piano and a horn section (a trio of trumpet, trombone, French horn) were used in several of the album's songs. During the recording sessions, the band re-recorded a new version of "Chant for Eschaton 2000" – originally released on their album “Satanica” – which was released on the band's 2008 EP, Ezkaton. The Apostasy is Behemoth's first album to chart on the Billboard 200, having debuted at #149. The album was also put out in vinyl format limited to 500 copies.

The album title refers to "apostasy", the state of having forsaken one's professed belief set, often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes. The album cover artwork is a depiction of the Hindu goddess Kali.

This album also marked the band's first foray into the realm of melodic vocals. Nevermore's Warrel Dane (R.I.P.) made a guest appearance on the track 'Inner Sanctum,' in which his characteristic voice was juxtaposed against the haunting lyrics that BEHEMOTH frontman Nergal chanted throughout the song.

About the Songs:

• "Rome 64 C.E." – the Great Fire of Rome occurred in 64 C.E., in which Peter from the bible (and possible other apostles as well), were allegedly killed. This explains the name of the song "Slaying the Prophets ov Isa".

• "Slaying the Prophets ov Isa" – Isa is the Arabic name for Jesus.

• "Prometherion" is a portmanteau of Prometheus (Greek: Προμηθεύς; "forethought") and Therion (Greek: θηρίον; "wild animal" or "beast").

• "At the Left Hand ov God" is referring to the Left-Hand Path (Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path)

• "Kriegsphilosophie" is German for "philosophy of war".

• "Pazuzu" – the Pazuzu was a much-feared creature of legend in Mesopotamian mythology, with a deformed head, wings of an eagle, sharp claws of a lion on its feet, and tail of a scorpion. It is the personification of the south-east storm wind, which brings diseases.

• "Christgrinding Avenue" talks about the Via Dolorosa and the crucifixion of Jesus.

Touring:

The band toured Europe alongside Napalm Death, Moonspell and Dew Scented.

Shortly after the release of “The Apostasy”, the band was featured as one of Ozzfest 2007's second stage headliners, one of the four non-US bands playing that year. In October/November 2007, they played their first US headlining tour alongside Job For A Cowboy, Gojira, and Beneath the Massacre.

In October/November 2007 the band toured Europe alongside Canadian Death Metal combo Kataklysm and Belgium's Aborted.

The group became Ozzfest 2007’s most talked about act and the massive Radio Rebellion Tour, co-headlining alongside Job For A Cowboy further solidified their status as one of the genre’s most explosive, premiere live acts.

In February 2008, Behemoth began a headlining tour along with Suicide Silence.

In April/May 2008 Behemoth made their much anticipated return to North America on “The Invaluable Darkness Tour Part 2” as direct support to Dimmu Borgir. The month-long trek, which kicked off on April 2, 2008, also featured Keep Of Kalessin in the support slot. This marked Behemoth's third stateside run in support of “The Apostasy”. Behemoth spent the summer of 2008 playing a number of prominent festivals all over Europe.

Nergal (vocals, guitars) commented about the tour, stating;

“This is our third and final run in North America for this record. We toured like hell after “Demigod” and we’ve also been touring like crazy to support “The Apostasy”, but it feels like it’s time to slow down and live our lives a little bit. So it’s about time we stay home for awhile, get inspired and write another monstrous record. Anyway, this Dimmu Borgir tour is our top priority now, it seems like U.S. hasn’t witnessed a package this evil in a long time. Rest assured Behemoth is a well oiled machine and ready to prove its might. The live set will consist of a wide selection of songs from all our records, but we definitely gonna play something we’ve never played before. It’s going to be surprise. We can’t wait to see you all!”

Album Performance:

“The Apostasy” peaked at No. 149 on the US Billboard 200. The album peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums Chart, and No. 24 on Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums Chart.

“The Apostasy” peaked at No. 9 on ZPAV (Polish Music Charts).

Critical Reception:

Calling “The Apostasy” “truly epic”, Chad Bowar at Metal Injection stated that the album “was masterfully produced, beautifully performed and catchy as hell.” If you're into Death Metal, Speed Metal, groovin' Metal rythms or phenomenal drums, check this out.”

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to “The Apostasy” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-apostasy/1553892551

Click this link to listen to “The Apostasy” via Spotify: The Apostasy https://open.spotify.com/album/3uKQnAnKQXvtau6tvFDyh1

Click this link to watch the official music video for “At the Left Hand Ov God”: https://youtu.be/zzz0YVEgT5U

Click this link to follow Behemoth on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behemoth

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

Behemoth — The Apostasy

Background:

About the Songs:

Touring:

Album Performance:

Critical Reception:

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

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