Behemoth Frontman Loves America But Won't Leave His Homeland

Interview by Avril Savoie
Exclusive to Rockstar Weekly

Evangelion is a Greek term meaning Good News and usually refers to the biblical stories of God saving humanity and Jesus and his substitutionary death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Usually.

Anyone familiar with the Polish blackened death metal act Behemoth might want to reconsider the meaning of Evangelion, the latest full-length CD from the veteran band.

Behemoths own version of good news is considerably different than the one offered by the Bible or the self-important evangelicals who thump it, a far cry from the do-as-I-say-but-not-as-I-do theology of grandstanding born-agains, false prophets and opportunistic conservatives from all corners of the globe. But Evangelion is more than a mere antidote to Christian proselytizing as we discovered from frontman Nergal, who discussed the album, his beliefs and his love of the good and bad in his Polish homeland.

Congratulations on your new album. Tell me about it.

Where did the title come from?

What is you inspiration?

How do you think this album differs from the others?

Production has always appeared to be an important part of the albums for you guys. The new album seems to be produced far better than most other black or death metal bands. Is production really important for you?

Its been 18 years since the band started. How has the band changed since that time?

Ive heard you guys are really controversial in Poland and might be banned from playing concerts there at some point. Whats the story there?

Do you wish things were different in Poland and Russia?

You seem to play a lot of concerts in America. Is that something you enjoy?

Do you find it different here in North America than in Europe?

Would you consider moving here?

This looks like a long tour for you. Youre in the States now, but then its off to Poland and Europe.

Could you tell me a little about your beliefs. You obviously have an interest in occultism judging by the mythological references everywhere. Is this something that youre truly interested in?