There are few truly instantly recognizable bands, institutions if you will, within the world of extreme music. A band so unique that their image and / or sound stand them apart from the chasing pack. Behemoth are certainly up there however; as hard as the proverbial coffin nail and as cold as the eastern winds that invade their Polish homeland. "The Apostasy" is no different.

While unquestionably heavy and uniquely Behemoth, "The Apostasy" doesn't demonstrate a huge progression from the bands previous opus, "Demigod". Progression for progressions sake is never advisable but the lack of forward momentum is somewhat surprising given the bands significant leaps forward between previous releases. "The Apostasy" is truly crushing in it's intensity, and is an out and out full on Death Metal extravaganza. No glitz, no window dressing, just in your face furious extreme power.

Much of the success "Demigod" enjoyed was as a consequence of the fusion of aggression and catchy grooves; allowing the most casual of listeners the ability to become instantly engrossed in the proceedings. The same can not be said however for "The Apostasy". The aggression and anger (oh boy is there anger) remains in spades, but virtually all the instant foot stompin' grooves have gone. Sure to alienate many of the Ozzfest fair weather fans that jumped on the Behemoth bandwagon two years ago, but given the time to absorb through repeated listens "The Apostasy" is an excellent album.