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NEWS

Artist Spotlight:
Nergal of Behemoth

In August 2010, Adam Darski (better known as Behemoth frontman “Nergal”) found himself in a fight for his life. While many musicians struggle against the pressures of fame and touring stress, Nergalʼs battle was a little more intense. Thatʼs when he was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, and has a very high mortality rate.

After rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Nergal received a bone-marrow transplant that December. In January of 2011, he left the hospital and began a long road to recovery. Amazingly, just a few months later, not only was Nergal in strong enough physical condition to play guitar, but was actually practicing with Behemoth and writing new material. Incredibly, by the end of the year, Nergal and the band were back to touring.

Getting Better

In a recent interview, Nergal was asked how the fight against leukemia changed him as a person. “I would say in many ways — too many to mention. Actually, in numerous ways, it made me a better person, for sure. On a mental level, spiritual level... pretty much anything. Physically, Iʼm stronger than ever, too.”

To anyone who saw Behemoth headlining this yearʼs Decibel Magazine tour, itʼs obvious that Nergal is fully back. Heʼs even planning on sharing his experiences in an autobiography, ʻSacrum Profanumʼ, which is due to come out later this year. And possibly best of all, Behemoth has been writing and recording material for a new album thatʼs scheduled for release in 2013.

Still Rocking with ESP

Formed in Gdańsk, Poland in 1991, Behemoth members Nergal and Orion (as well as touring member Seth) are longtime ESP players. Nergalʼs ESP Signature Series guitar, the LTD Hex-7, is a v-shaped 7-string axe with neck-thru-body construction, a mahogany body, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, 24 XJ frets, and EMG 81-7 (bridge) and 707 (neck) active pickups. Orion often turns to his ESP Tom Araya signature bass as well as a variety of other ESPʼs and LTDʼs, while Seth is usually seen playing his ESP Custom 7-string EX and LTD Viper-417.