Belphegor will be joined by Kampfar and Hideous Divinity for their ‘The Devils European Aufmarsch’ 2023 tour, set to take place on March 9th. The three bands will bring their high-energy, intense live performances to European audiences, promising a tour of pure metal mayhem. With their unique blend of black metal, death metal, and dark themes, Belphegor has become one of today’s most respected acts in the metal scene.
Belphegor is a prominent black metal band from Austria that has gained worldwide recognition for their dark and provocative music. The band’s name derives from the demon Belphegor, considered one of the seven princes of Hell. Belphegor’s music is characterized by its intense and extreme sound, featuring blast beats, tremolo picking, and harsh vocals. The band’s lyrics often deal with topics such as Satanism, blasphemy, and the occult.
Belphegor was formed in Salzburg, Austria, in 1991 and released its first demo, ‘Bloodbath in Paradise,’ in 1993. Since its inception, Belphegor has gained a reputation for its unique sound characterized by a raw, aggressive style that drew on both black and death metal influences and for its provocative imagery and lyrics.
Belphegor’s lyrics and imagery have been controversial from the beginning. While the band’s early lyrics often dealt with topics such as blasphemy, anti-Christianity, and Satanism, in later years, the band has explored themes such as occultism, esotericism, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Black metal has its roots in the thrash metal scene of the 1980s in Europe, particularly in Norway. Bands such as Venom, Bathory, and Hellhammer were among the first to introduce the dark and ominous sounds that would later define the genre and aesthetics. As black metal developed, it became increasingly associated with controversial themes such as Satanism, paganism, and anti-Christianity. Many early black metal bands embraced these themes, which were seen as a rejection of mainstream society and its values; however, the second wave of black metal in the early 1990s solidified the genre’s cultural significance.
Bands such as Mayhem, Burzum, and Darkthrone played a key role in shaping the sound and image of black metal during this period. These bands were known for their extreme music, anti-Christian lyrics, and controversial actions, such as church burnings and murder. The second wave of black metal was heavily influenced by Satanism, with many bands espousing Satanic beliefs and themes in their music and imagery.
One of the most controversial aspects of black metal has been its association with Satanism, with many bands using such imagery and themes in their music. In addition, many black metal musicians have claimed to be practitioners of Satanism, and some have even been involved in criminal activities such as arson and murder. While it is important to note that not all black metal musicians are Satanists, and not all Satanists are involved in black metal. The association between the genre and Satanism has significantly influenced its cultural impact. The two have become intertwined in popular culture, with black metal often seen as a genre that celebrates Satanism and the occult.
Historical figures known for their involvement in Satanism, such as Aleister Crowley and Anton LaVey, have also influenced black metal. Crowley, an English occultist and ceremonial magician, is known for his teachings on magic and his association with Satanism. LaVey, on the other hand, founded the Church of Satan in 1966 and authored ‘The Satanic Bible.’ Both figures have significantly impacted the development of Satanism and its influence on popular culture, including black metal.
Black metal has continued to evolve in the modern era, with bands such as Belphegor contributing to the genre’s ongoing development by releasing twelve studio albums, cementing their place in the black metal scene. However, Belphegor’s influence extends beyond their music. The band’s imagery and stage show are also an important part of their cultural significance.
Belphegor has recently released their twelfth full-length studio album titled ‘The Devils’ on July 29th, 2022, through Nuclear Blast Records. The album has been described as one of Belphegor’s most powerful and elaborate works and it features nine tracks that showcase the band’s signature style while also exploring new territory with experimental sounds and elements. The album has received critical acclaim from both fans and critics alike, with many praising the band’s ability to push the boundaries of their genre while still staying true to their roots.
The release of ‘The Devils’ comes after a period of relative silence from the band, who had not released a full-length album since 2017’s ‘Totenritual.’ Fans of Belphegor have eagerly awaited this new release, and it seems that the band has delivered a worthy addition to their already impressive discography.
Belphegor’s live performances often feature elaborate costumes and props, including Satanic symbols and religious iconography. The band’s visual aesthetic is meant to shock and provoke, reflecting their commitment to the dark and provocative themes of black metal.
Co-headliners Kampfar, on the other hand, are a Norwegian black metal band that has been active since 1994. The band’s name is derived from the Old Norse word for “warrior,” and their music is characterized by its raw, aggressive sound and its focus on Norse mythology and history.
Kampfar emerged from this fertile musical landscape, drawing on the Norwegian black metal tradition to create their own unique sound and identity. However, unlike many of their contemporaries such as Belphegor, Kampfar’s music is heavily influenced by Norse mythology and history, as opposed to Satanism and the occult.
Norse mythology and history have long been a source of inspiration for many black metal bands, particularly those from Norway. This interest in Norse culture can be traced back to the nineteenth century, when Norwegian artists and intellectuals began to explore their country’s pagan past.
In the context of black metal, Norse mythology and history provide a rich source of imagery and themes that are well-suited to the genre’s dark and aggressive sound. Many black metal bands, including Kampfar, draw on these traditions to create music that is both powerful and evocative.
Kampfar’s music is notable for its use of traditional Norwegian instruments, such as the hardanger fiddle and the bukkehorn. These instruments add a unique flavor to the band’s sound and help to create a sense of connection to the country’s pagan past.
Kampfar’s music has also evolved over the years, incorporating new elements while remaining true to the band’s pagan black metal roots. The band’s early albums, such as ‘Mellom Skogkledde Aaser’ (1997) and ‘Kvass’ (2006), featured a more traditional black metal sound, with elements of traditional folk music woven throughout. However, in recent years, Kampfar has experimented with new sounds and styles, incorporating elements of post-black metal and atmospheric black metal into their music.
On another extreme, brutal death metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the late 1980s, characterized by its aggressive, fast-paced, and often complex music. Over the years, brutal death metal has evolved, and Hideous Divinity is a modern-day brutal death metal band that was formed in 2007 in Italy. The band is known for its technical proficiency, brutal riffs, and intricate compositions with lyricism often dealing with themes of violence, gore, and horror.
The band’s debut album, ‘Obeisance Rising,’ was released in 2012, and it received critical acclaim from the metal community. The album showcased the band’s technical proficiency, intricate compositions, and brutal sound. Since then, the band has released several albums, including ‘Adveniens’ (2017) and ‘Simulacrum’ (2019), which have further cemented their reputation as one of the leading bands in the genre.
Several historical figures have played a significant role in the development of brutal death metal. One such figure is Chuck Schuldiner, the founder of Death. Schuldiner’s band was one of the pioneers of death metal, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the genre. Schuldiner’s music was characterized by technical riffs, complex compositions, and a progressive approach to songwriting.
Another influential figure in the death metal scene is Trey Azagthoth, the founder of Morbid Angel. Azagthoth’s band was known for its complex and technical music, incorporating elements of jazz and classical music into their compositions. Azagthoth’s use of dissonant harmonies and unorthodox song structures helped to shape the sound of brutal death metal.
Since the emergence of brutal death metal in the late 1980s, the genre has continued to evolve. Bands such as Nile, Origin, and Dying Fetus have pushed the boundaries of the genre, incorporating elements of black metal, grindcore, and technical death metal into their music. The evolution of technology has also had a significant impact on the genre, with bands using digital technology to create more complex and intricate compositions.
Regarding the tour, joining Belphegor are two equally impressive acts: Kampfar and Hideous Divinity. Kampfar are known for their intense live shows and their ability to merge traditional black metal with folk-inspired elements, while Hideous Divinity, on the other hand, are known for their technical proficiency and their ability to create complex, yet brutal music.
Together, Belphegor, Kampfar, and Hideous Divinity will bring their unique styles and intense energy to audiences all over Europe. Fans can expect a tour of pure metal mayhem, complete with brutal riffs, haunting melodies, and ferocious vocals. With their combined talents and passion for metal, this tour promises to be one of the most exciting events in the metal scene for 2023.
In summary, Belphegor’s ‘The Devils European Aufmarsch’ 2023 tour is shaping up to be an incredible event for metalheads. With the addition of Kampfar and Hideous Divinity, fans can expect a night of high-energy, intense metal music that will leave them wanting more. This tour is not to be missed for anyone who loves dark, heavy music and a good dose of theatricality in their live shows.
