I can’t really describe when I first discovered Behemoth in reference to time but what I do remember distinctly is the feeling. That wonderful sensation when you listen to something for the first time and you get goosebumps. After years of delving into the world of Behemoth’s music I finally managed to catch their Blasfemia Amerika Tour 2016 appearance at The Observatory in Santa Ana California. After regretfully missing their past USA tours my excitement leading up to the date could not be quelled, especially knowing that “The Satanist” would be played in its entirety.
When the time had finally come for Behemoth to hit the stage you could feel the energy in the audience and the crowd chanted in unison welcoming the band. A darkness loomed over the venue accompanied by a projected montage of music video imagery, whilst the empty mic stands lay in wait. Once the opening notes of “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel” unleased anyone who was in the pit area was immediately thrust forward while others were left screaming and howling at the presence of Behemoth.
Seeing one of my absolute favorite songs off The Satanist “Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer” performed with such intensity and vigor was amazing and not to mention Nergal provoked the audience into singing along to the lyrics “For Thine is the kingdom And the power…And the glory…Forever!” which left the venue rumbling. Each member of the band contributed to the set in different ways. A few props were brought on stage including an inverted cross held up high by bassist Tomasz “Orion” Wróblewski and one of the more notable moments was when Nergal distributed communion wafers to the audience which resulted in a giant push forward by the crowd in hopes of snagging a mere crumb.
After The Satanist some “fan favorites” were played such as “Pure Evil and Hate”, “Ov Fire and the Void”, and “Slaves Shall Serve” just to name a few. Words really cannot describe just how mind blowing this concert was unless you were there in the midst of it all. On a more personal note Nergal to me is an inspiration to stay strong and always thrive to be the best person that you can be. He has been through a lot and that is no secret, and to see him stand up on that stage and perform is moving and it left me feeling empowered. In the words of the man himself “It’s a great fucking privilege to be here with you tonight! We fucking love you, Cali! You best stay strong! We shall return!”….and with that I cannot wait for the next opportunity to see Behemoth again and California will be ready.
SETLIST
Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel
Furor Divinus
Messe Noire
Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer
Amen
The Satanist
Ben Sahar
In the Absence ov Light
O Father O Satan O Sun!
Encore:
Pure Evil and Hate
Antichristian Phenomenon
Conquer All
Encore 2:
At the Left Hand ov God
Slaves Shall Serve
Chant for Eschaton 2000
Band members
Adam “Nergal” Darski – lead vocals, guitars
Patryk Dominik “Seth” Sztyber – guitars
Tomasz “Orion” Wróblewski – bass guitar
Zbigniew Robert “Inferno” Promiński – drums and percussion
The Metal Wanderlust 