By the Blessing of Satan

By the Blessing of Satan is a continuation of Behexen's blasphemous journey in the dimensions of fierce and extremely aggressive black metal. On this album the band develops the sound of Rituale Satanum. Those albums are similar starting with the artwork and the lyrics, finishing with the sound, but there's a one main difference - By the Blessing of Satan manages to become even more hateful.

By the Blessing of Satan isn't just more aggressive, than the previous album, it is the most aggressive album of Behexen and, furthermore, it is even can be put in the list of the most aggressive and extreme works in whole music. It's just utterly hateful. This time there's no sorts of intro or whatsoever, Behexen wasn't able to hold his wrath for a single second. The album starts with fast and blustering riffs.

So, the music of By the Blessing of Satan has a raw aggressive sound and more often is based on high tempo parts. It's a common move for Behexen to create a powerful atmosphere of hate and darkness. However, there is quite some an amount of slower parts on the album and still they represent all the necessary qualities convincingly. The best example of such display is "Watchers Of My Black Temple", the main melody of it is slow, yet it is the same harsh and sinister. Anyway, every slower track has a fast and explosive culmination.

Ironically the vocals became a bit less caustic, than they had been on Rituale Satanum. Yet this change isn't significant. Torog will use another type of vocals in the future, but on By the Blessing of Satan his screaming has only minor changes and still it doesn't only fit the music, but underlines all the malignance of the last. In whole, as it has already been mentioned, By the Blessing of Satan still sounds like the harshest album.

This release is near-perfect and has no weak sides at all. Yet there are some things, which can be highlighted. "Fist Of The Satanist" has a very catchy main melody, it's written in mid-tempo and possesses somewhat of an epic mood. The slow-starting melody of "Black Metal Baptism" represents a quite hypnotic mood and later this melody spectacularly turns to a fast, chaotic and brutal part. The already mentioned "Watchers Of My Black Temple" causes the same effect and on its slower parts it sounds gloomier, than any other melody of the album, what is also a highlight.

So, the second full-length of Behexen shouldn’t disappoint the ones, who became a fan of the first album. There is a lesser amount of melodic parts, the level of hatred has increased and the main value of By the Blessing of Satan is right in this fact. The album possesses a convincing aggression and the trademark Behexen's intense atmosphere.

Behexen´s second outbreak of violence marks a milestone of Finnish black metal. This is no great surprise, because the band cannot be blamed for releasing a bad full-length up to the present day. But "By the Blessing of Satan" remains unequaled. It reflects the essence of the most devastating form of black metal. Each and every detail makes an amazing contribution to this monument of musical bloodthirstiness. This may sound rather pretentious. But already with the first tones of the opening title track, the album widely opens its mouth in order to swallow the listener in a matter of seconds. Already the whirlwind-like riff that kicks off the album is able to raise the level of adrenaline in your blood. Don´t think that this brood needs a warm-up time. It would furthermore be foolish to expect filigree guitar techniques. Instead, the guitars appear as a rapidly flowing stream of lava. One of the reasons for this is the slightly blurred production that creates a dense and impervious sound. Of course, atmospheric keyboard parts or acoustical breaks do not play a role, neither in the first track nor during the rest of the album. It is already clear that this is definitely not the soundtrack for the next children´s birthday party.

In terms of the intensity of the music, this album can be easily compared with Mayhem´s masterpiece "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas". In other words, Behexen deliver pieces that follow the most intense compositional approach since the invention of black metal. They offer such a violent musical maelstrom that nothing can resist its force. Admittedly, the album does not shine with unique features like Attila´s theatrical vocals on Mayhem´s only outstanding full-length. The compositional refinement of Emperor´s first two albums also remains unbeaten. Behexen only operate with the unusual tools, if we disregard, that they obviously collaborate with the devil himself. The result is all the more astonishing. Extremely harsh riffs, inhumane vocals and mercilessly hammering drums, that´s all they need to create pure cruelty. In contrast to the vast majority of other nocturnal brigades, they use these tools in a perfect way. For example, the "worship incantations" (that´s his fair job description in the booklet) of lead vocalist Torog are extremely hateful yet highly expressive. His rasping and throaty voice just fits exactly to the music. The same goes for the lyrics. They follow the well known approach of the genre. In other words, the lyrics are rather nonsensical, but I don´t care.

With few exceptions, the hellish aura of black giants such as the above-mentioned title track or the furious "Fist of the Satanist" with its repetitive but also breathtaking chorus has no equivalent. The same goes for the abundant "Watchers of My Black Temple". Despite - or perhaps precisely because of - the atmosphere of negativity and destruction, this tune shines with fairly calm and meditative sequences. These sections interrupt the raging basic approach without leading to any loss of blackness or intensity. The third and the fifth track also offer parts that appear as the setting of desperation so that the album does not lack of variety. Rather, it proves that even the most fanatic form of black metal leaves enough room for diversified compositions.

I have listened to a lot of extreme metal albums. Therefore, I would venture to say that I am familiar with this kind of sound. This leads to the consequence that I do not exactly know the effect of "By the Blessing of Satan" on those pitiful persons who never got in contact with this very special type of music. Nevertheless, I believe, that this full-length would really have an unsettling effect on them. It is raw, it is furious and it definitely has that certain something so that we do not hesitate to call this output "satanic". From my point of view, the here presented seven songs are the epitome of sonic evil. This is also valid because of the production. As mentioned earlier, it may well be that there are more transparent black metal recordings. But exactly the sound of this album emphasizes the aggressive power and the reckless violence of the songs without lacking in depth. As a result, I have no reason to lament about anything. Of course, this full-length demands everything from the listener. But in my opinion, everybody is definitely well advised to take up the challenge. Just buy this album and try to withstand the prevailing climate of hate while enjoying each and every track. Satan will reward you with a new jewel in your collection.

Behexen released their immensely promising if yet somewhat immature debut album, "Rituale Satanum", in 2000. The debut introduced a band with ear for terrifyingly ugly metal, capable of creating powerfully evil atmospheres, and with an interesting and original style of melody writing. The satanic darkness and melodic elements did not yet exist in a perfect symbiosis on the debut album, but in 2004 the unattractive larva vomited out another regurgitated abomination, "By the Blessing of Satan".

Everything seems to be right with "By the Blessing of Satan". The relentless blasting intensity of many Norwegian bands is incredibly well infused with riffing excellent enough to make early Gorgoroth jealous, and delivered with enough conviction to surpass most. The fuzzy, dark and very trebly production, where every instrument can be heard well and yet are distorted well beyond the usual standards of even semi-raw black metal, augments the absolutely black, terrible atmosphere greatly. Every instrument is played with absolute conviction and tremendous vigour, and if not always with unfaltering technical aptitude, then at least adequate ability. Each rhythm guitar part and its counterpoint, with the ferocious drumming and malicious screams, is either a testament to heinous terror and atrocity, a piece of sheer somber beauty, or a twisted entwinement of both, creating immensely addictive soundscapes of some murderous, exhilarating celebration of darkness.

The title track kicks off without asking any questions, having no introduction, with absolutely dark and evil riffing, prodigiously convincing screams, fast-speed blasting and overall relentless force. The music shifts between ugly, brutal rhythm guitar riffs and melodic, very dark and evil lead guitar with a certain sense of mystery embedded to the melody-writing that truly sets it apart from the average black metal lead guitar. Melody and darkness coexist wonderfully here. Whereas many more melodic black metal bands lack the intensity and brutality of their more norsecore-styled peers, and the latter kind lacks the memorability and quality of the former, in this Behexen song the best of both kinds is emblazoned with remarkable intensity and violence. "Fist of the Satanist" is a heavy, mid-paced black metal track with excellent powerful atmosphere and excellent black metal riffing, chiefly inherently simple rhythm guitar parts with the odd fascinating intricacy (though in songs like "Fist of the Satanist", such intricacies are more rarely heard than in others). "Celebration of the Christ's Fall" is equally true to its namesake as the violent fist-pumping second track of the album: its pacing is absolutely manic and the atmosphere strongly impassioned. "Watchers of My Black Temple" features slow tempo, stupendously heavy and dark atmosphere and melancholic, even beautiful riffing, creating an unbeliavable dichotomy of violent ugliness and dark beauty.

"By the Blessing of Satan" is extremely entertaining to listen to due to the great pacing of the album. Each song is fairly different and placed in a very good balance. The powerful "Fist of the Satanist" brings variety after the sheer blasting melodic magnificence of the title track, "Sieluni Saatanan Vihasta Roihuten" brings out the hideous ugly side all out after the linear and slightly plodding second track, after which comes the maddened frolic of "Celebration of the Christ's Fall". Before the incredible, atmospheric closing track "Under the Eye of the Lord", "Watchers of My Black Temple" works perfectly as a refreshing piece to bring variety and to elaborate on the doom elements hinted at in the slower passages of "Sieluni Saatanan Vihasta Roihuten". Not only is every track on the album an excellent piece of black metal, but the album as a whole is also a magnificently composed assemblage.

It's a great shame that Behexen was not able to recapture the glory of this masterpiece on any future release. "By the Blessing of Satan" clearly represents the zenith of the band's career so far, and likely for all time. Few black metal records in history can surpass the sheer hideous magnificence, power and intensity of this singularly heinous masterwork.

For those of us whose parents pass off metal as incomprehensible noise with no musical value whatsoever, Behexen is probably what gave them their impression. If this is true, it’s really a shame, firstly because there is metal out there more “unlistenable” than Behexen, and secondly, because many people overlook the multifaceted work that is By the Blessing of Satan, passing it off as incomprehensible noise.

In terms of comparisons, I can’t really think of any band that contains a similar sound to Behexen, although I’m not very familiar with the Finnish Black Metal scene. The production on this album is actually better than most raw or brutal Black Metal releases that I’ve heard. The most distinguishing feature is that the drums and rhythm guitar are accented, which buries the lead guitar. This is a shame, since the lead guitar is quite interesting as far as black metal goes. This does enhance the atmosphere to a certain extent however, creating a very distant feeling, as if the album was recorded in a crypt. The same effect occurs with the vocals, which are very powerful when used this way. While using the typical black metal shriek, they are very well done, evoking a very painful and tortured feeling. The drums make extensive use of blastbeats, while providing some interesting fills and driving rhythms, and the rhythm guitar performs solid foundational riff work. The bass is actually audible, though like the lead guitar, requires active listening to hear for most of the album.

As far as highlight tracks go:

Celebration of Christ’s Fall is where the lead guitar melodies are most evident, the first of which appearing at 0:20. Torog makes good use of his guttural howls as well. There’s a very catchy chorus as well, where “Celebration of Christ’s Fall!” is crystal clear. Best part in the song occurs at 3:11 where the lead guitar melody is most exposed, and a very good melody it is.

Black Metal Baptism begins with a driving rhythm guitar riff some arpeggiation on the D Minor chord in the lead guitar. The distant sounding lead guitar gives this a very creepy atmosphere. Before long the blasting of the drums enters, burying the melody once more. The lead guitar becomes evident once more at 3:35 with a killer riff that is used during the chorus. The break after the chorus has a very evil atmosphere created by the crushing rhythm guitar and drums, before a lead guitar solo at 5:11, which is very good, some would say virtuostic as far as black metal goes. The solo fades out giving way to a very cool bassline, echoed in the rhythm guitar. My personal favourite of the album.

Although these two are my personal favourites, there is no weak track on the album. Lack of originality is definitely a downside, in terms of both the music and the lyrics, as Brutal Black Metal is nothing new in this world, least of all with “hail Satan” lyrics. The accented drums and rhythm guitar get annoying after a while as well. Overall however, this is a very fine release for those who like their black metal raw and extreme. Requires active listening, and not for those of a faint constitution.

I have to admit, that first time I bought this album I skipped it and labeled it as mediocre, but one day I popped this sucker back to my stereo system, and I realised how great piece of black art this one is. I guess you could say that I didn't grow on it, but it grew on me... Like a cancer.

Although I think that the best stuff Behexen has released, is on the split album with Horna this album really doesn't fall that far. Songs are all brutal as hell, but still there are lots of melodic guitarlines buried under the wall of noise. And they sure are worth of looking for, because they are, along with Torog's vocals the true highlight of the album. Pretty much all the tracks here are strong celebrations for Satan and hate towards christ, so there really isn't "that one song" on the album. Some may say it's a bad thing that none of these tracks truly shines over everything else, but I say it's a good thing because in my opinion it is better to know a band because of a great album, not a great song.

However, my personal favorite track would probably be Celebration of Christ's Fall, which is pure bounding Black Metal assault the way it's supposed to be. Not mindless double-bass/blast-beat wankery (Panzer Division Norsecore-fans, I'm looking at your direction). The part where Torog screams "Celebration of Christ's Fall!" and a great guitar melody follows it, is just pure hate. But like I said, none of these songs truly beats the crap out of the other and it is at it's best, when it is listened from the first track to the very last, without continuously pushing the skip-button.

Lyrics might be a bit silly for someone, but then again this is Black Metal, so who gives a flying fuck? Of course I respect lyrics that have more deeper message behind them than just your typical "Hail Satan!"-stuff, but I really can't picture Torog screaming poetic words about forests, butterflys, rainbows and roses on a grave.

This album might get a bit monotonic if you are just an average listener, who is looking for some background music. There's a shitload of stuff buried under it all, so it might take some time to appreciate it.
But all in all, this is a great piece of traditional Black Metal. If you are looking for music that is highly original, then this is not your piece of cake... However if you just want a good Black Metal album to your collection, then I recommend this one highly. Plus it's lightyears ahead from their rather dull debut album.

By the Blessing of Satan is one of the best Black Metal releases in a long time. The sheer brutality, anger and hate that help manifest this slab of aural blasphemy creates an atmosphere unlike anything seen outside of the Norma Evangelium Diaboli label.

On the first listen, one may find little or no melody among the wall of noise that the band creates. But lost in the final mix is some serious tremolo melody, which tends to be overshadowed by thick, heavy riffing and Torog’s vocals (ranging from piercing shrieks to twisted growls). The drumming is pounding and tightly executed. If a bass track does exist on this release, it is buried in the chaos.

From beginning to end, this release does not let up. This is brutal satanic art at its finest. “Under the Eye of Lord” finishes off this release with a devilish summoning, followed by a drift into a short ambient outro that perfectly summates 50 minutes of utter madness.

Other than the brutal nature of this release, the changing structure of the [lengthy] songs, and the simple catchy choruses that are strewn in hither and thither, both help to maintain an air of originality to the release. Behexen’s typical Black Metal lyrics can be found on 90% of any other satanic Black Metal releases, so that is definitely not the main focus of any review, or the selling point of this album. It is the utter madness that is conjured that keeps me coming back to this modern masterpiece.

Standout tracks:
Fist of the Satanist – great chorus
Celebration of Christ’s Fall – your ideal Black Metal track
Black Metal Baptism – stellar

Behexen's second cd contains very brutal black metal. Cover art is very ugly and it should scare most of the unaware listeners. If the weakest people haven't been scared off by cover, the music does it. Seven tracks of this record are very raw, gloomy and unholy.

The sounds of the album are brutal. There are some (hidden) melodies and catchy guitar riffs, but they are mostly hammered under harsh guitars and hollow drums. Singer (or screamer) and lyricist Torog's voice is very distant, but still sounds unholy and sick. Their skills are good but they don't make any useless over-technical solos. Brilliant!

There are seven songs, one of them doesn't have it's lyrics printed, on the album and most of them are over 7 minutes long. This is also the weakness of the album. Album's overall length is about 47 minutes and there are seven (sometimes) overlenghted songs! Overlenghted or not, Behexen is responsible of dark and primitive black metal album. It doesn't create anything new to it's genre, but should it? Recommended for the friends of brutal black metal. Everyone else, don't touch!