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.