Besatt

With each passing day, I am more and more impressed with the Polish black metal scene. It was only a few years ago that I discovered and was blown away by BESATT, who hail from the Polish city of Bytom, and, in a way, that is the story of their existence. They've slaved away in the underground without receiving their due respect. The hardcore black metal elite know who they are, but the average black metal fan who thinks they know the full story? They're in the dark.

Besatt formed in 1991, around the same time as Behemoth and Graveland, but are not nearly as well known as their fellow countrymen. Perhaps it's because Besatt has consistently churned out strong, no-frills black metal without an accompanying ideology to distract you from the music (Graveland) or without incorporating elements from other genres, like death metal (Behemoth). Whatever the case, Besatt is a black metal band you need to know.

Helmed by Satanic stalwarts Beldaroh and Weronis, Besatt had a shifting lineup in its first few years of existence. This lack of stability was one of the reasons that no recorded material from Besatt survives from the early nineties. There are two rehearsals known to exist from this time--the Ares and Wieki ciemne rehearsals, respectively--but I can't even find out their exact dates.

From their 1996 demo, this is "Gniew Demona"

But by 1995, the lineup had solidified. Besatt then churned out their first official demo, which saw the light of day in 1996. Czarci majestat laid down the template for what Besatt would become known for: straightforward Satanic black metal with no gimmicks. Check out a sample from the demo above.

The strength of this demo lead to the opportunity for Besatt to record proper studio albums, beginning with 1997's In Nomine Satanas. This was dark, aggressive, Satanic black metal that pulled no punches, with the speed and intensity of Marduk, Gorgoroth, or Unlord. Calling to mind the best the genre had to offer, Besatt was carving out a niche for themselves. They followed this solid debut with equally evil albums like 2000's Hail Lucifer, 2002's Hellstorm, and 2004's Sacrifice for Satan.

From their debut album, this is "My Religion"

2000's Hail Lucifer gives us "Antichrist"

Luckily, the 2000s saw Besatt's star begin to rise. Along with their blackened, evil sound, Besatt was also becoming known for ritualistic live performances. Their live shows were all part of their Satanic beliefs; unlike some bands, Besatt put their money where their mouth was.

"Final War" is from 2006's Black Mass

Besatt has continued to put out great black metal that really captures the spirit of the genre.  They show no sign of letting up, and perhaps one day they will get the credit they deserve.

Select Discography:

Ares (rehearsal) (?1993?)
Wieki ciemne (rehearsal) (?1994?)
Czarci majestat (demo) (1996)

In Nomine Satanas (full-length album) (1997)

Hail Lucifer (full-length album) (2000)

Hellstorm (full-length album) (2002)
Sacrifice for Satan (full-length album) (2004)

Diabolus Perfectus (split with Arkona and Thirst) (2005)

Black Mass (full-length album) (2006)
Triumph of Antichrist (full-length album) (2007)

Next time: FLEURETY