Polish extreme metal band Behemoth has released a video of their cover of Bathory’s “The Return of Darkness and Evil.” (The song has just been named the official anthem of this year’s Mystic Festival in Poland.)
“When Michał Wardzała suggested that Behemoth should create the anthem for Mystic Festival, I was game immediately,” said Behemoth lead singer Adam “Nergal” Darski. “I had only one condition — that it won’t be an original song, but a cover.”
That cover is a spirited tribute to Bathory, and a homecoming for Behemoth, who started 35 years ago, playing basement shows in Gdańsk. (The fact that they’re headlining the biggest metal festival in their hometown is not lost on them.) “‘The Return of Darkness and Evil’ has everything that’s needed — an anthem-like character, fantastic groove, great lyrics that I completely identify with, and an extremely catchy chorus. I came to the conclusion that it is the perfect song to embody the festival’s atmosphere and become its musical manifestation,” said Darski.
The cover song is being pressed to three different colors of vinyl records and will be available at the festival. Behemoth takes the stage there on June 6th.
