BEHEMOTH have released a new cover of the BATHORY song “The Return of Darkness and Evil”. The track was recorded as the official anthem for this year’s Mystic Festival in Poland.

BEHEMOTH frontman Nergal said: 

‘The Return Of Darkness And Evil’ by BATHORY has always been a particularly important song for me. Last season, I got to collaborate with BLOOD FIRE DEATH, a tribute project for this Swedish legend. I then asked Erik [Danielsson] from WATAIN, who was singing this song during the project’s concerts, if he wouldn’t mind sharing at least one verse, so that I could also sing it. Seeing his reaction, I immediately understood he has as strong a connection with the song as I do, and he wasn’t about to share it with anyone.

When Michał Wardzała suggested that BEHEMOTH create the anthem for Mystic Festival, I was game immediately. I had only one condition — that it won’t be an original song, but a cover. ‘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.