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Band Timeline
1991
Formation and Early Demos of Behemoth
Behemoth was formed in 1991 in Gdańsk, Poland, as a trio consisting of Nergal on lead guitar and vocals, Baal on drums, and Desecrator on rhythm guitar. The band began by recording a series of demos, with the most influential being ...From the Pagan Vastlands in 1994, which garnered attention in the Polish extreme metal underground and led to releases by Pagan Records and Wild Rags. These early recordings helped establish Behemoth among Poland's underground metal scene alongside bands like Vader and Hate.
1995-1996
Release of Sventevith and Grom Albums
In 1995, Behemoth released their debut album Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic), marking their official entry into the metal scene. The following year, in 1996, they released their second album Grom, which showcased a diverse range of influences including female vocals, acoustic guitars, and synthesizers. These releases helped Behemoth gain live performance experience in Poland and expand their presence with European tours, building their reputation in the extreme metal community.
1998
Pandemonic Incantations and Signing with Avantgarde Music
Behemoth released their third album, Pandemonic Incantations, which set a new standard for their sound and presence, although it suffered from limited promotion. Later that year, the band signed a two-album deal with Italian label Avantgarde Music. This partnership supported two European tours and led to lineup changes, including the departure of drummer Inferno and guitarist Les. This period marked the band's transition toward a more mature blackened death metal sound.
1999-2000
Satanica Release and Lineup Reformations
The album Satanica was released, representing a significant evolution of Behemoth's style from black metal into blackened death metal. Amid lineup challenges, Inferno returned to the band on drums, along with bassist Novy and guitarist Havok. These changes coincided with a move to the Polish label Mystic Production. Behemoth's sound became heavier and more precise, supported by their follow-up album Thelema.6 which was critically acclaimed worldwide and increased their presence at major metal festivals and tours.
2001-2003
Zos Kia Cultus and International Expansion
After completing their writing and recording process, Behemoth released the album Zos Kia Cultus (Here and Beyond) in 2002. The band expanded their touring footprint, including their first American tour in 2003, playing alongside bands like Deicide and Amon Amarth. This period was key for their international recognition, marking their breakthrough to American and global audiences while solidifying their reputation as a leading force in extreme metal.
2004-2008
Demigod and The Apostasy Eras
During this period, Behemoth recorded and released Demigod (2004) and The Apostasy (2007). These albums represented the band’s continued refinement of blackened death metal with more complex and sophisticated compositions. The band maintained their intense live schedule playing at major European festivals and broadening tours. Their music received widespread critical acclaim for technical skill and brutal intensity, reinforcing their status as one of Poland's top metal exports.
2009-2013
Evangelion and Recovery from Nergal's Health Issues
Behemoth released the album Evangelion in 2009, continuing to push their sound development. In 2010, band leader Nergal was diagnosed with leukemia, which caused a temporary hiatus. Following intensive medical treatment and recovery, Nergal returned to the band. This period was marked by resilience and determination, resulting in a return to form and renewed creativity culminating in new recordings and tours.
2014-2018
The Satanist and Successful Resurgence
In 2014, Behemoth released The Satanist, an album widely regarded as one of their masterpieces. It was praised for its emotional depth, musical complexity, and powerful themes. This release won critical acclaim globally and garnered several awards, significantly enhancing the band's international stature. They supported the album with extensive touring, including major festival appearances, reaffirming their place at the forefront of extreme metal.
2019-present
Continued Influence and Latest Works
Behemoth has continued to release new music and maintain an influential presence in the metal scene. They have performed at numerous international festivals and tours, influencing new generations of extreme metal musicians. Their latest works continue to showcase their signature blend of blackened death metal marked by innovation and intensity. The band remains a leading figure in extreme metal worldwide with a loyal global fanbase.
Albums
Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic)
10 tracks
1995
Grom
8 tracks
1996
Pandemonic Incantations
9 tracks
1998
Satanica
93 tracks
1999
Thelema.6
12 tracks
2000
Zos Kia Cultus (Here and Beyond)
12 tracks
2002
Demigod
10 tracks
2004
The Apostasy
11 tracks
2007
Evangelion
9 tracks
2009
The Satanist
10 tracks
2014
I Loved You at Your Darkest
12 tracks
2018
Opvs Contra Natvram
10 tracks
2022
The Shit ov God
8 tracks
2025
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Inferno
1997
Orion
2003
Novy
N/A
Electric bass guitar
Nergal
1991
Guitar family
Lead vocals
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Havoc
2000
2004
Guitar
Baal Ravenlock
1991
1996
Membranophone
Story of Behemoth
Behemoth, the Gdansk-based blackened death metal titans, emerged from the Polish underground in 1991. Their influence on the nation`s extreme metal scene is undeniable.
Early Years and the First Five Albums (1991-2000):
The bands initial lineup—Nergal (vocals/guitar), Baal (drums), and Desecrator (rhythm guitar)—laid the groundwork with demos like *Endless Damnation* and *The Return of the Northern Moon*. However, it was their fourth demo, *From the Pagan Vastlands* (1994), that truly ignited their career. Released by Pagan Records (Poland) and later Wild Rags, this tape signaled Behemoths arrival. Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic) followed in 1995, paving the way for their 1996 sophomore album, Grom. Grom showcased the band`s expanding musical scope, incorporating diverse elements like female vocals, acoustic guitars, and synthesizers. This period also saw Behemoth solidify their live presence, playing extensively throughout Poland and embarking on their first European tours.
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