Is The Apostasy a good place to start with Behemoth?

Yes, The Apostasy is recommended as a starting point for new Behemoth listeners. A ferocious blend of blackened death metal and symphonic elements that challenges beliefs with relentless aggression. By the release of The Apostasy, Behemoth had established themselves as a leading force in extreme metal following their breakthrough album, Demigod, in 2004. This album marked their first release on Nuclear Blast Records, showcasing a refinement of their sound while further pushing thematic boundaries related to religion and philosophy.

Who is The Apostasy for?

The Apostasy works well if you're into wave-like pacing with intensity, immersive atmosphere for deep listening and dynamic shifts in emotional weight.

How many songs are on The Apostasy?

The Apostasy has 20 tracks, running approximately 94 minutes.

The Apostasy

Behemoth · 2007

94 min · 20 tracks · blackened death metal

A ferocious blend of blackened death metal and symphonic elements that challenges beliefs with relentless aggression.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Slaying the Prophets ov Isa Start here — This track exemplifies the album's thematic depth, tackling contentious subjects through powerful lyrics and a punishing musical backdrop that intertwines melody with aggression.
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At the Left Hand ov God — The song stands out with its intricate structure, blending crushing riffs and orchestral elements that reflect the duality of faith and doubt central to the album's message.
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Christgrinding Avenue — This track is notable for its relentless pace and scathing critique of organized religion, making it a focal point for understanding the band's ideological stance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The Apostasy combines aggressive metal with symphonic elements, showcasing strong composition and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The album opens with a symphonic intro that transitions into aggressive guitar riffs and blast beats, establishing a relentless pace.
Tracks frequently shift between high-speed sections and slower, more atmospheric passages, creating dynamic contrasts throughout.
Several songs incorporate choral elements and orchestral arrangements, enhancing the epic feel of the music while maintaining intensity.
The last three tracks feature a notable drop in tempo, allowing for a more reflective conclusion to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with intensity
immersive atmosphere for deep listening
dynamic shifts in emotional weight
cathartic release through aggression

Maybe skip if you

prefer light, upbeat sounds
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — The Apostasy is a key album that solidified Behemoth's status in extreme metal.
Career context: By the release of The Apostasy, Behemoth had established themselves as a leading force in extreme metal following their breakthrough album, Demigod, in 2004. This album marked their first release on Nuclear Blast Records, showcasing a refinement of their sound while further pushing thematic boundaries related to religion and philosophy.
Stylistic neighbors: Mgła· Emperor· Dimmu Borgir