Sacrilegious gets a whole new sound.

Behemoth’s thirteenth studio album, The Shit Ov God, released on May 9, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records, stands as a bold testament to the band’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of blackened death metal. With eight tracks spanning just under 40 minutes, the album delves deep into themes of blasphemy, existential dread and ritualistic fervor, all delivered with the band’s signature sonic brutality.

The album opens with “The Shadow Elite,” a track that sets a foreboding tone with its dense guitar work and relentless drumming. Nergal’s vocals are as commanding as ever, delivering lyrics that challenge authority and question the constructs of power. This is followed by “Sowing Salt,” a shorter, more aggressive piece that maintains the album’s intensity and showcases the band’s ability to blend speed with precision.

The title track, “The Shit Ov God,” stands out as one of the most controversial and talked-about songs in Behemoth’s discography. With lyrics like “Eat my flesh! / Drink my blood! / I am the shit of God!” the band confronts religious dogma head-on, pushing boundaries both musically and thematically. 

“Lvciferaeon” channels the esoteric majesty of Behemoth’s early black metal roots. At the same time, “To Drown The Svn In Wine” becomes a twisted psalm — both hypnotic and harrowing, its doom-laden aura oozing like thick incense in a decaying cathedral. It finds balance in its theatricality, opening with a precision-crafted riff before giving way to a chant-heavy refrain that is as anthemic as dark.

“Nomen Barbarvm” delivers a crushing groove and chants that feel potent in their simplicity. Here, Behemoth taps into the regal and ritualistic fervor that has defined their best work. 

The penultimate track, “O Venvs, Come!,” slows the tempo slightly, allowing for a more melodic approach that contrasts with the album’s overall aggression. This shift in pace provides a moment of reflection before the final track, “Avgvr (The Dread Vvltvre),” which closes the album with a powerful blend of heavy instrumentation and haunting vocals, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

Production-wise, The Shit Ov God benefits from the expertise of Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios, known for his work with bands like Emperor and Rotting Christ. Bogren’s influence ensures a polished yet raw sound that captures the essence of Behemoth’s music. The album’s artwork, crafted by Bartek Rogalewicz and Dark Sigil Workshop, complements the music’s dark themes, featuring an upside-down Christogram that challenges traditional religious symbols.

Critical reception has been mixed. Dom Lawson of Blabbermouth rated the album nine out of ten, describing it as Behemoth’s “finest album in a decade.” Kerrang!’s Sam Law noted, “The Shit Ov God is such compelling proof of the indefatigable courage of their convictions and the transcendental power of musical darkness,” assigning the album a rating of four out of five.

To Conclude, The Shit Ov God is a testament to Behemoth’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of extreme metal. The album’s musical craftsmanship and thematic depth solidify its place in the band’s impressive catalog.