Behemoth & Dimmu Borgir's Shagrath Join Forces In New Music Video For Their Cover Of Venom's "In League With Satan"

Polish blackened death metal pioneers Behemoth have introduced “I, Scvlptor,” a new musical project that defies traditional album formats but is no less ambitious in scope. Central to this release is a powerful cover of Venom’s 1981 seminal track “In League With Satan,” augmented by the guest vocals of Shagrath, frontman of Norwegian symphonic black metal stalwarts Dimmu Borgir.

This collaboration marks a significant merging of two influential figures in the extreme metal scene. By reinterpreting a cornerstone of satanic rock history, Behemoth and Shagrath have crafted a version that amplifies the original’s ominous weight and adds a fresh dynamic layer, notably employing seven-string guitars to deepen the sonic impact.

The decision to revisit Venom’s work aligns with Behemoth’s ongoing artistic narrative, as the band’s vocalist and guitarist, Nergal, explained in a recent interview covered by metalunderground.com. The cover’s genesis closely tied to the naming of their joint tour with Dimmu Borgir, emphasizing the enduring influence of Venom’s legacy. This synergy between tour branding and musical output illustrates Behemoth’s strategic approach to honoring metal heritage while pushing creative boundaries.

Beyond the cover, “I, Scvlptor” also introduces an original track bearing the same title, which Nergal describes as embodying an epic and monumental quality reminiscent of Behemoth’s past works like “O Father O Satan O Sun!” and “Lucifer.” This new song explores themes of self-formation and existential struggle, encapsulating the paradox of life’s transient nature and the continuous effort to define one’s identity against inevitable mortality.

The thematic depth of “I, Scvlptor” reflects Behemoth’s consistent engagement with metaphysical and philosophical motifs, delivered through a sonic framework that is both familiar and innovative. The band’s willingness to experiment with structure and tonality demonstrates their commitment to evolving within the extreme metal genre.

The music video for “In League With Satan,” directed by Dariusz Szermanowicz, complements this evolution by visually interpreting the dark and ritualistic atmosphere intrinsic to both Venom’s original and Behemoth’s reinterpretation. This visual component enhances the immersive experience of the track and exemplifies the band’s holistic artistic vision.

Although “I, Scvlptor” does not conform to a standard album release, its presentation and content suggest a deliberate effort to create a significant cultural moment within metal music. The inclusion of Shagrath not only bridges fanbases but also underscores the collaborative spirit prevalent in the genre’s community.

Details regarding additional tracks, formats, or future plans connected to “I, Scvlptor” remain limited at this time. However, the announcement of plans to perform the Venom cover live indicates that this project will maintain a presence in Behemoth’s setlists and live performances moving forward.

This release reaffirms Behemoth’s position as innovators who respect metal’s foundational acts while continuously sculpting their own distinct identity. The fusion of historical reverence and modern reinterpretation embodied in this collaboration with Shagrath offers fans a compelling new chapter in the ongoing saga of extreme metal.