The Satanist cover

The Satanist

Behemoth · 2014

140 min · 24 tracks · blackened death metal

A relentless fusion of primal aggression and intricate melodies, steeped in dark themes and ritualistic intensity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its orchestral intro followed by an explosive blend of brutality and melody, showcasing Behemoth's evolution.
  • →
    Amen — With its haunting atmosphere and complex arrangements, this track encapsulates the thematic depth of the album, addressing faith and rebellion against oppression.
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    O Father O Satan O Sun! — The climactic centerpiece of the album, this track features intricate guitar work and powerful lyrics that challenge religious dogma while embodying the spirit of defiance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album combines intricate compositions with powerful execution, making it a standout in extreme metal.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a high level of intensity with aggressive riffs and blast beats, while the sixth track introduces a slower, more atmospheric section.
  • The album includes ritualistic chants and layered vocal harmonies that enhance its thematic depth, particularly in tracks like 'O Father O Satan O Sun!'.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • ferocious intensity that demands attention
  • dynamic progression with powerful climaxes
  • wave-like pacing for deep immersion
  • ritualistic themes for contemplative listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer light, uplifting sounds
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — 'The Satanist' is seen as a high point in Behemoth's artistry and received significant acclaim.
Career context
By the time 'The Satanist' was released in 2014, Behemoth had established themselves as a leading force in extreme metal. This album marked their first release after frontman Nergal's battle with cancer and was pivotal in revitalizing their sound, showcasing a mature blend of blackened death metal elements with more melodic and atmospheric layers.
Stylistic neighbors
Mgła· Emperor· Dimmu Borgir

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel Start here 4:25
  • 2 Furor Divinus 3:06
  • 3 Messe Noire 4:04
  • 4 Ora pro nobis Lucifer 5:35
  • 5 Amen 3:49
  • 6 The Satanist 5:33
  • 7 Ben Sahar 5:34
  • 8 In the Absence ov Light 4:58
  • 9 O Father O Satan O Sun! 7:13

Disc 2

  • 1 Intro 2:44
  • 2 Ov Fire and the Void 4:38
  • 3 Demigod 4:11
  • 4 Moonspell Rites 7:20
  • 5 Conquer All 4:09
  • 6 Christians to the Lions 5:05
  • 7 The Seed ov I 5:40
  • 8 Alas, Lord Is Upon Me 3:59
  • 9 Decade ov Therion 3:46
  • 10 At the Left Hand ov God 5:11
  • 11 Slaves Shall Serve 3:37
  • 12 Chant for Ezkaton 2000 6:50
  • 13 23 Youth Manifesto 4:33
  • 14 Lucifer 9:34
  • 15 The Satanist: Oblivion 25:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata