Nightside Emanations by Behexen, one of the best releases in 2012

Nightside Emanations is the fourth full-length album by Finnish Behexen (or the fifth if one also considers the EP From the Devil's Chalice) and was released four years after the split with Satanic Warmaster, another Finnish band, released in 2008, of which I adore "Mouth of Leviathan". So this album came out after four years of silence in 2012. It may seem strange that I want to do this review now in November 2013, but my webzine was born only on October 27, 2013. Although too late, I want anyway to review this album because it was one of the major releases of 2012. With this album Behexen made their final breakthrough among the biggest bands in the world and they rose above other affiliate Finnish bands such as Horna, Sargeist, Satanic Warmaster. Thanks to Nightside Emanations Behexen was rewarded with an invitation to Inferno Festival 2013. The album consists of 10 tracks of which the first is a keyboard intro. Compared to the previous albums Nightside Emanations has a more powerful sound, and slower, more cadenced rhythms, the production is definitely better. There are still parts in fast blast beats, and in this regard I want to point out “Awaken Tiamat” which grinds fast from the beginning to the very end. Compared to the previous album My Soul for His Glory, which in my opinion was poor and without ideas, Nightside Emanations is definitely another story: the four years of silence were useful to find new ideas, and Behexen released a mature album. The atmosphere of this album is really austere, grim and inhospitable, Behexen wanted to recreate the atmosphere of a ritual, almost like a black mass. It goes straight to the point, no frills. There is only one guitar solo at the end of “Serpent Fire”, and it is very amazing.
Regarding the texts, no difference compared to the past: luciferianism and occultism. Suffice it mention the title of "Circle Me...” to understand what it is about.

Notes:
Nightside Emanations was released on September 21st, 2012 through Debemur Morti Productions.

Tracklist:
1. "Intro" 1:13
2. "Wrathful Dragon Hau-Hra" 4:05
3. "Death's Black Light" 3:33
4. "Circle Me..." 5:41
5. "We Burn with Serpent Fire" 6:17
6. "Luciferian Will" 5:13
7. "Awaken Tiamat" 6:08
8. "Temple of the Silent Curses" 5:24
9. "Shining Death" 4:37
10. "Kiss of Our Dark Mother" 7:14

Personnel:
Hoath Torog - vocals, lyrics
Shatraug - guitar
Wraath - guitar
Horns - drums
Gargantum - guest guitars on "We Burn with Serpent Fire"

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Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com