I discovered this band accidently back in 1997 when the cover of Blutsabbath caught my attention in a record store. I had never heard of them and picked it up solely because of the cover. Shortly thereafter I found The Last Supper at the same store. Ever since I’ve been telling people about them and generally got the response of they suck, it is the other Belfegor that’s great. I have not heard that for awhile now. With the release of Lucifer Incestus the response now will be what other Belfegor?

This is of course supreme death/ black art from Austria. From the screaming nuns to the chanted vocals they deliver violence and fury at full velocity. Once again excellent drumming, intricate guitar leads, and screams and growls to perfection. They have cranked it up in speed to Panzer level and added utter brutality. The production is clearer so each instrument stands out. The drum especially sounds great. Belphegor has also moved closer to mostly death metal from Swedish black, just don’t lose the dual vocals. The songs demonstrate long hours of practice and are the most memorable to date, and despite the speed they are always under control. “The Goatchrist” has dominating guitars with hyperspeed melodies and about equal time to each vocal style. “Demonic Staccato Erection” is more sedate with brutal drumming that is not quite so frantic with heavy cymbal work. The rhythm guitar is slow and Helmuth employs an inbetween style of vocals at the end. “Paradise Regained” has a very brief atmospheric intro then pulverizing intensity, the uberpanzer. The bass stands out more as well. “Fukk the Blood of Christ” starts off slow and ominous, the drums kick in slow, chugging rhythm guitar then blastbeats and minimalist guitar leads- high pitched squeals and lengthy slower sections without words to end one of my favorite songs pre Lucifer.

Having one song that surpasses most previous efforts but gets blown away by most everything else on this album demonstrates how far they have climbed. The title track is next and it’s back to pulverizing nuns. “The Sin Hellfucked” has clearly heard bass, heavy cymbol use, chaotic swirling lead guitars, and a Voivodesque ending. “Fleischrequiem” is a highlight of the album with acoustic folkish guitars and chanted vocals in addition to the black and death styles and some anguished screams along with fast drumming. Easily one of the best of 2003.

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