BEHEMOTH - Abyssus Abyssum Invocat CD Review

ARTIST: Behemoth
TITLE: Abyssus Abyssum Invocat
YEAR: 2011
LABEL: Metal Blade
REVIEWED BY: Caroline Restiaux

Let's start off by saying that Behemoth is one of my favorite bands of all time musically, lyrically, visually and personality. They are like the perfect boyfriend/girlfriend and/or partner in life. What I also love about them is they are always good with giving us EP's to tide us over until their next new releases. One of those releases is their newest "Abyssus Abyssum Invocat" which is a combination of the out of print cds 'Conjuration' and 'Slaves Shall Serve'.

There are lots of new goodies included with the dual cd release. There are bonus tracks, new art work, some unseen live photos and new liner notes from Nergal. The cds represent the more experimental side of Behemoth (aside from the live versions of songs from Demigod and Zos Kia Cultus). 'Conjuration' was never one of my faves even though it included a live version of one of the songs 'Decade of Therion' that got me into the band in the first place.

When it comes to reviewing compilations and re-issues you can really only repeat what has been said about the previous albums and add that it has been remastered. For fans that have followed Behemoth for a while you are getting exactly what you would expect from the release. Now, if you are new to the band I would probably suggest that you visit either 'Demigod' or Satanica' to get a better feel for the band and what really put them on the map in the world of metal. The cd is a must for all die hard fans of the band, well, because you just got to have all their cds even if it is just a copy of two previous ones tied in together with some new pics and liner notes. Truth be told, you won't really be missing out on much if you aren't a huge fan and already have 'Conjuration' and 'Slaves Shall Serve'.

TRACKLISTING:

DISC 01 - Conjuration
01. Conjuration ov Sleep Daemons
02. Wish (NIN cover)
03. Welcome to Hell (Venom cover)
04. Christians to the Lions (Live)
05. Decade ov Therion (Live)
06. From the Pagan Vastlands (Live)
07. Antichristian Phenomenon (Live)
08. Lam (Live)
09. Satan's Sword (I Have Become) (Live)
10. Chant for Ezkaton 2000 (Live)

DISC 02 - Slaves Shall Serve
01. Slaves Shall Serve
02. Entering the Pylon ov Light
03. Penetration (Nefilim cover)
04. Until You Call On the Dark (Danzig cover)
05. Demigod (Live)
06. Slaves Shall Serve (Live)
07. Lam (Live Bonus Track)
08. As Above So Below (Live Bonus Track)