Search - Behemoth :: Zos Kia Cultus

(Drooling like Homer Simpson)

A. Stutheit | Denver, CO USA | 02/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Death metal is a staff of life, and one of the only things that could possibly be more heavenly than brutal metal is brutal metal which is equally as technical. And if that's what you look for in great metal, Behemoth are a godsend. The members of this band are clearly much more mature and better musicians on this, their sixth full length album, than they were five or ten years ago. In fact, the guitarists (Nergal & Frost) and drummer (Ravenlock) almost deserve their own, separate review. The riffs are ultra precise and heavy, and the drum work is head spinning, mind jumbling and complex. To top it all off, Nergal's vocals fluctuate. But whether sounding somewhat high pitched (as in the first track), or low, and unintelligible, his barking is always very violent and mean. Songs like "Blackest Ov The Black," "Harlot Ov The Saints," and "Typhonian Soul Zodiack" are driven by absolutely ridiculous drumming, and "Here and Beyond" is backed by an insanely fast and skilled blast beat. Other highlights are the jackhammer guitars and machine gun drumming on "As Above So Below," the punching, almost thunderous riffs on "Hekau 718," the title track, which has catchy, pounding riffs and more great drumming, and (my personal favorite) the album opener, "Horns Ov Baphomet." Here, the guitarists play rhythmic, heavy chugging, cascading riffs over a blast beat and Nergal's shrieking vocals, and the song ends with a brief acoustic breakdown. All things considered, this is a great album. If you like death metal (even a little bit), make sure you pick this up and enjoy one of the finer things in life. Cryptopsy, Nile, Necrophagist, and Behemoth's 2005 album, "Demigod," are also highly recommended."

Better then demigod and the rest...

Porpuse | MA | 10/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While i did enjoy behemoth's laters work demigod and i think their previous albums are quite good? None of them impressed me more then behemoth's "zos kia cultus" for the simple fact that behemoth's production is truly good and their drummer & guitars are oustanding and makes me proud to support such great musicians... Highly recommended."

Blackened Death Metal

Richard Terry | Denver, CO United States | 08/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Largely considered to be a breakthrough album, Zos Kia Cultus is a monster of a release. The behemoth is noted in the biblical book of Job as one of the mightiest creatures that God created to roam the earth. Poland's Behemoth live up their massive name with this 2002 release by Olympic/Century Media records.



The blasphemous opener 'Horns of Baphomet' takes the listener by storm with this ultra groovy metal assault. There are also great acoustic middle eastern chords at the end of the song. Lead vocalist Nergal gives his harsh screams throughout the album and drummer Inferno makes his voice heard well on 'Modern Iconoclasts' and 'No Sympathy for Fools.' 'Blackest of the Black' is an evil onslaught of blackened death metal.



Along with Vader, Behemoth are leaders in the Polish death metal scene. They have toured relentlessly and made a big name for themselves in the past couple of years, especially after the release of 'Demigod.' Zos Kia Cultus is regarded as many to be their best release and it does make a good case for that. The lyrics are not really regarded as great, as they are unoriginal and blatently anti-Christian. Do not let the lyrics keep you from getting this album. It is great! Crank it in front of your preppy rap/pop friends!! I have seen Behemoth live twice, and they put on a killer show, complete with spikes and face paint. Great polish blackened death metal."