Aside from the involvement of Nuclear Holocausto Vengeance (“NHV”), the only reliable constant of Beherit’s history is a persistent rejection of stasis. NHV has always insisted upon forging a unique path, one that is unpredictable and militantly unorthodox. Although the band’s history extends back some 35 years, they have played live on very few occasions, most of which were in the early days, when NHV and his confederates were still teenagers, and all took place in Beherit’s native country of Finland. Nearly three decades have passed since the last time Beherit took the stage, but they accepted the invitation to perform their first show outside of Finland at the NWN!/Hospital Fest in Osaka, JP in April of 2024. A few months later, on August 31, 2024, Beherit appeared in Prague, CZ. Accompanying NHV at these shows were Beherit’s original drummer, Sodomatic Slaughter; bassist Abyss, Twisted Baptizer, who played on the Engram album; and guitarist and vocalist Black Moon Necromancer, whose work with Witchcraft represents a tangible manifestation of Beherit’s legacy. With a setlist predominantly taken from Drawing Down the Moon, as well as a few tracks from The Oath of Black Blood and Engram, the band’s current live show is designed to be experiential for the listener, a curated atmosphere that only Beherit can produce. As those present for these shows will attest, the performances were not reducible to a mere recitation of fan favorites. Through the use of intros and interludes, samples and synthesizers, extended passages of hypnotic repetition, and thoughtful arrangements, Beherit created something extraordinary. This album, sourced from a soundboard recording of the Prague show, faithfully captures their entire performance. Whereas most live albums, especially in the underground, are mere catalog filler, this one—like all great live recordings—stands on its own, commanding repeated listens.
