Artist: Behemoth Album: Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic)

Year: 1995
Duration: 45:30

A of Behemoth's Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic)

Polish black metal band Behemoth has always pushed boundaries with their heavy, intense music and lyrics. In 1995, the band released their debut album Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic) which showcased their unique sound and style. In this , we'll dive into the history of Behemoth, the music genre of Sventevith, the best songs on the album, the most innovative parts, and an overall critique of the album.
Behemoth first formed in 1991 in Gdansk, Poland with founding members Nergal and Baal Ravenlock. The band's name was inspired by the biblical creature and symbol of ultimate evil - Behemoth. Their early music was heavily influenced by black and death metal, blending satanic and philosophical themes into their lyrics. Sventevith was their first full-length album and solidified their place in the extreme metal scene as a force to be reckoned with.
Sventevith is categorized as black metal, but also incorporates elements of death and folk metal. The album is heavily influenced by Slavic mythology, with song titles in Polish and lyrics referring to the gods and heroes of old. The music itself is fast and intense with Nergal's aggressive vocals leading the charge. The album consists of eight tracks, with some highlights including Chant of the Eastern Lands, Hidden in the Fog, and Thou Shalt Forever Win.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of traditional folk instrumentation such as flutes and accordions. These instruments add an atmospheric element to the music and further emphasize the Slavic inspiration behind the album. Additionally, the production quality is impressive for a debut album - the sound is crisp and clear while still maintaining its raw intensity.
In terms of the best songs on the album, Chant of the Eastern Lands stands out as a fan favorite. It features a catchy guitar riff that hooks listeners in from the beginning, and an anthemic chorus that's both memorable and singable. Hidden in the Fog has a more ominous and mysterious feel, with slower pacing and a haunting melody. Thou Shalt Forever Win is another standout track with its driving beat and catchy chorus.
Despite the album's strengths, there are also some weaknesses. The album is fairly one-dimensional in terms of its sound. While the use of folk instruments is impressive, it doesn't quite shake the feeling of hearing the same type of song over and over again. Additionally, some of the lyrics can come across as juvenile or cliché, with lines like I raise the chalice filled with blood on the track With Spell of Inferno.
Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic) may not be Behemoth's most well-known or polished album, but it's a strong debut that showcases the band's unique style and influences. The use of folk instrumentation and Slavic mythology in the music make it stand out in the black metal genre, while the production quality is impressive for a debut album. While there are some weaknesses, such as the one-dimensional sound and juvenile lyrics at times, the album still holds up as a solid example of extreme metal and an important piece of Behemoth's legacy.