Opvs Contra Natvram

Limited LP : UK Indies Exclusive Clear/Black Marbled Vinyl or Picture Disc

LP : Standard Black Vinyl

Now world-renowned and yet exuberantly underground in their convictions, BEHEMOTH are perhaps the unlikeliest of success stories, but if their stratospheric ascent and hard-won commercial achievement can be attributed to anything, it’s a cast-iron unwillingness to compromise. As Opvs Contra Natvram, their 12th studio release heralds from the rooftops – their longevity is down to a resolute commitment to find new ways to enthrall and inspire their ever-growing legion of latter-day heretics, a determination which shows no signs of erosion. It’s changing times and new battles to fight to which Nergal attributes BEHEMOTH’s unique ability to sound fresh despite their incredible tenure. Therein lies the inspiration for the album’s title and striking cover artwork. 

Never being fully satisfied and never getting comfortable is the basis of the ferocious sounds to be found on Opvs…, too, and as Nergal explains, our viral armageddon afforded him the perfect opportunity to luxuriate in the one thing that BEHEMOTH’s growing empire has never afforded him - time.  

The 12 chapters of fury that make up Opvs Contra Natvram were written and recorded over the course of a very strange year for the world, a situation which only heightened the level of craft seen in these 43 minutes and 15 seconds of honed, searing wrath. As with previous studio outings, Opvs… was produced by BEHEMOTH with engineering duties undertaken by acclaimed Meshuggah, Dimmu Borgir and In Flames producer Daniel Bergstrand. Mixing, however, involved a new player on the chessboard who you’d be hard-pressed to guess - famed producer and mixer Joe Barresi, a studio legend with a breathtaking credits list which includes Queens of the Stone Age, Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains and Tool just to name a few. He was chosen for his celebrated ability to simultaneously preserve a studio recording’s organic feel and identity, and the inspiration for the decision comes from a place you’d least expect.  

And from the sound of Opvs… there is no doubting the artistic summit that Nergal and BEHEMOTH are aiming for. From the colossal energy of opener Post-God Nirvana to the epic and righteous indignation of Ov My Herculean Exile and album-closer Versvs Christvs - a riveting extended track featuring piano and clean vocals which are destined to turn heads BEHEMOTH’s latest is the ultimate soundtrack to these strange and troubled times.