Behemoth frontman Nergal criticized the current black metal scene in a recent interview with Metal Injection.
He expressed concerns about authenticity and oversaturation in today’s black metal scene. His comments specifically addressed how easily new bands can emerge and replicate existing sounds.
“I have a radar. I sense bullsh*t. I sense things that are not legit, that are fake, and that are just repetitive and copycats,” Nergal said. “And I’ve said that publicly. I’ve always been very public about it, which obviously I get hate for it. But I couldn’t care less. I’m too old to care about people’s opinions. But I will gladly share mine.”
Nergal elaborated on the accessibility of modern music production:
“It’s too much of everything. People don’t have to struggle anymore. Basically, anyone who can afford to buy a laptop and a guitar, it can replicate that music. And they’re going to say they created something. To me, that’s just replicas. They fabricate things.”
The Behemoth frontman connected this issue to broader societal problems:
“It’s bigger picture of the problem I have with today’s world. But it comes down to the simple fact. Everyone can make comment about anything today. But should they? We can almost afford anything today. But should we buy everything? No,” he explained. “It makes us spoiled. It makes us too relaxed and too comfortable. Any kid can wake up any day today and go like, ‘Okay, I like these guys. I’m going to start a black metal band.’ And of course, they’re going to put f*cking hoods and masks on them which already should be illegal. Because pretty much everyone is doing it.”
His advice for aspiring musicians was direct: “So when someone asks me ‘What’s your advice for new bands?,’ I’m like, ‘Never f*cking start a new band.’ The world is that small. The last thing Spotify needs is another black metal band.”
Nergal’s perspective on authenticity stems from his extensive experience in the genre’s evolution.
The Quietus documented Behemoth’s origins during black metal’s underground era. The band established its foundation in the raw, primal sound of the early 1990s.
The band’s sound evolved significantly over time. Promethean revealed how Behemoth progressed from pagan themes to Satanic elements. Nergal viewed this transformation as a natural evolution rather than a commercial decision.
The PRP highlighted Nergal’s principled stance in the Polish black metal scene. He deliberately distanced himself from groups with nationalist ideologies. This decision demonstrated his commitment to artistic integrity over scene politics.
His extensive background reinforces his current criticism of the modern black metal landscape. The widespread accessibility of technology has led to what he sees as a diminishment of the genre’s artistic value and authenticity.
