Behemoth Vocalist Nergal on Friendship with Lars Ulrich: “He’s an Amazing Human Being”
In an interview with Swedish publication Rock Sverige, Nergal, vocalist of Polish black/death giants Behemoth, spoke about his relationship with Metallica‘s music, as well as his friendship with the band’s drummer, Lars Ulrich.
In the first part of the interview, Nergal is asked about what Metallica’s music has meant to him over the years. He shares that he was not originally a big Metallica fan, preferring other classic heavy bands like Iron Maiden and Sodom, but that he’s become a fan of metal’s biggest band over the last fifteen years.
“I think the last record is really a solid one. ‘Spit Out the Bone’ must be one of their best songs ever. I’m one of those guys. Kill ‘Em All is probably one of my favorites and Master of Puppets and the last one. It’s a great record. I always say that Metallica is still around and they’re in really good shape. They’re not the youngest dudes around and I believe that they’ll go on for at least another decade, but I always tell everyone to fucking go and watch Metallica. Go and see Metallica because all those classic bands like Metallica, [Iron] Maiden, Guns N’ Roses… all those bands are going to be around for only a little bit longer. It’s going to be the longest farewell. Make sure to catch their set and support those bands. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Appreciate them while they’re still around and touring the world. I always go and see Metallica, Maiden, Guns N´ Roses…”
In addition to his possibly-controversial opinion that “Spit Out the Bone” is one of the best Metallica songs, Nergal talked about his friendship with Ulrich.
“The longer I’m around and the longer I see Metallica going and how well they’re doing, I’m more and more filled with fucking adoration for those guys. I’m lucky enough to be friends with Lars and he’s an amazing human being. Super gentle and an amazing guy.”
Nergal also talked about opposition he’s faced for Behemoth’s Satanic content, including multiple blasphemy trials.
“I won’t let any asshole take away the fun from what I’m doing. On the other hand, when I come across obstacles and when I come across institutions or haters… you name it, I’m like ‘You know what? Maybe at some point when I’m bored with playing, I’ll still keep going because of you motherfuckers.” That is my nature and I’m going to fucking prove you that my persistence is fucking unstoppable and I’m going to outlive you all and I’m going to prove that basically I’m stronger.”
Behemoth’s new album, Opvs Contra Natvram, is out September 16 via Nuclear Blast. Listen to “Off to War!” and “Ov My Heculean Exules” now.
