NERGAL claims BEHEMOTH’s “The Satanist” album is more philosophical than you realize

Behemoth’s frontman, Adam “Nergal” Darski, is no stranger to controversy, having a history of stirring the pot through various means like religious confrontations and public antics such as the YMCA hoax. It comes as no surprise then that when the band announced their thirteenth studio album, titled The Shit Ov God, it sparked immediate reactions, with Christians and toilet paper aficionados equally unamused.

The album’s title, The Shit Ov God, doesn’t land gracefully with audiences, invoking imagery as awkward as a falling turd from the sky. Despite public criticism and teasing, Nergal himself claims that there is more to the name than meets the eye. In a recent interview, he defended the album title, asserting that it is not meant as a mere shock tactic or base slogan but rather carries a deeper and more philosophical meaning that requires listeners to put in some effort to comprehend fully.

“Some people get it, some people didn’t get that. When I gave our latest record that title, they were, like, ‘Uh, Nergal, you can do better than this.’ No, I can’t do better. This is the best I can give you,” Nergal explained regarding the album’s unconventional name. He stressed that the title and the album itself demand listeners’ engagement and effort in unraveling their complexities, reiterating that it is a far cry from simple Satanic themes and is, in fact, more intellectually stimulating than it might seem.

Moreover, The Shit Ov God represents a deliberate departure from Behemoth’s previous serious and traditional album titles. Nergal mentioned that after titles like The Satanist, Evangelion, I Loved You At Your Darkest, and Opvs Contra Natvram, he chose The Shit Ov God to reset expectations and create a sense of bewilderment. He emphasized that the contrasting nature of Behemoth’s album titles is intentional, aiming to confuse and surprise fans rather than to cater to mainstream preferences.

In conclusion, while some may find The Shit Ov God title perplexing or off-putting at first glance, Nergal’s assurance that it holds more profound meanings challenges listeners to delve deeper into the album’s themes and lyrics. Even though the name might seem absurd on the surface, it encapsulates Behemoth’s deliberate strategy to intrigue, mystify, and evoke contemplation from their audience.