All Images and Words by Natalie Lorenz Photography
Walking into The Tivoli, it was already packed with fans, younger and older, some in corpse paint, others wearing very old Behemoth merch. It felt like a bunch of friends hanging out, with no awkwardness or elitism. Everyone seemed genuinely excited to be there.
Opening the night were Poland’s Nidhogg. They delivered an explosive set with plenty to take in, combining a heavy sound with commanding stage presence. I had never heard of them before, so they were a great discovery and matched Behemoth quite well. The lead singer especially stood out, adorned with large, spiked gauntlets and a crown of thorns, even drinking from a goblet of blood onstage.
I’ve never seen so many photographers in the photo pit. It was a little hard to move around, but everyone was respectful and professional, so credit to all the other photographers involved for keeping it running smoothly.
When the Polish blackened death metal lords Behemoth hit the stage, the theatrics were in full force as usual. They are a band that always gives 100 percent live, which is exactly why I keep coming back to see them. They opened with “The Shadow Elite” from their latest album, a newer track but a surprisingly strong choice to kick off the set.
Hearing “Conquer All”, taken from one of my all-time favourite Behemoth albums, Demigod, was easily one of the night’s highlights for me.
Overall, they played a solid selection from across their catalogue, with a bit more focus on their later works. I was incredibly happy with the setlist, especially hearing “Conquer All,” “Cursed Angel of Doom,” “Ov Fire and the Void,” “Decade of Therion,” and “Chant for Eschaton 2000.”
They also surprised the crowd with a powerful and well executed cover of Bathory’s “The Return of Darkness and Evil,” paying tribute to the legends who helped shape and pioneer the genre.
One of my favourite elements of any Behemoth show is Nergal’s ever changing headdresses, along with the constant anticipation of blood or water being spat into the crowd. This time, I managed to stay safe and dry, a rare achievement compared to previous tours.
On a personal note, in 2015 I caught Seth’s guitar pick. In 2023, it was Orion’s. And last night, I completed the unholy trinity of Behemoth picks by getting Nergal’s, a small but satisfying moment after years of following the band.
If you ever get a chance to see Behemoth live, please do yourself a favour and do so, you won’t regret it!
It was a huge night shared with great friends, matched by an awesome crowd of metalheads from all corners. Special mention to Tyson from security, who consistently makes working these shows easier, safer, and genuinely enjoyable.
