Behexen - Nightside Emanations (2012)

Its been four years since Behexen's third album, 'My Soul for His Glory,' an album that seemed to divide their fanbase. Mostly forgoing the rougher production and "truer" qualities of their first two releases, that third effort was met with mixed reviews, though I personally did and continue to enjoy it strongly. If you didn't dig that one you might as well skip past their latest record, 'Nightside Emanations,' because this one continues in the same vein with perhaps some slight alterations.

Prior to getting my hands on this release I had no less than three people tell me its Watain-ish sounding, a description that I personally don't see as being bad, but somewhere along the way them there Swedes got branded sell-outs and posers from the would be kvlt and trve black metal legions worldwide. Regardless of such tripe I happen to still love Watain and listening to this record I see the comparisons.

Death's black light, Shine on me...

I'd assume these comments have arisen because Wraath and Shatraug's guitar riffs, their pace, structure and possibilities of catchiness all do remind of Watain. Solos, yes, melodic and often times awesome solos are heard on this beast too! Even one of the albums slower songs, 'Circle Me...' has that sort of epic occult feel that Eric D. and his wolf brigade have often displayed on their past albums.

Fortunately, this still does sound like Behexen, again a lot like 'My Soul for His Glory,' intertwined with Watain-y influences. After all, there is no mistaking Hoath’s vocal delivery, Horn's impressive drum work, the characteristic Behexen guitar work, which is split between the two groups now, and the usual lyrics centered around Satanism and occultism in general are ever present in this current work.

If such influences driving these Finns onwards bothers you than all I can say is too bad, since this is another solid effort from these guys. It might not live up to the bands earlier work in terms of speed, viciousness and trueness, but there's no denying this is Behexen.

The artwork both on the front and within the digipak is exceptional, I also enjoy the booklets contents and the fact that its attached to the digipak is pretty rad too.

'Nightside Emanations' could very well be the record that gives the band a boost into more well known territories, which would mean a complete rebuttal from kvlt retards, but if borrowing influences from other notably awesome bands and progressing to the next level is selling out, than so be it. I wont take their patch off of my vest anytime soon.