No warning, no mercy. Behemoth have released both the single and the music video for “The Return of Darkness and Evil“, their reinterpretation of the Bathory classic, and it’s the official anthem of Mystic Festival 2026.
The backstory matters here. Nergal has carried a deep personal connection to the original track for years. He previously collaborated with Blood Fire Death, a tribute project dedicated to the Swedish legend, and approached Erik Danielsson of Watain about sharing a verse of the song during that project’s concerts. Danielsson’s reaction made one thing immediately clear: this was not a song he was going to hand over to anyone. Some things you don’t share.
But the universe has its own sense of timing. When festival organiser Michał Wardzała came to Behemoth asking for an anthem, Nergal said yes straight away, with one condition: no original composition. A cover. Specifically this one. The reasoning was precise: the song has an anthemic quality, a fantastic groove, lyrics he completely identifies with, and a chorus that refuses to leave your head. The perfect vehicle to capture the festival’s atmosphere and become its musical manifestation.
It’s been quite the journey, from rehearsing in primary school basements on a Gdańsk housing estate to a headlining spot on the main stage of the biggest heavy music festival in Poland, taking place in their hometown no less. For 35 years, Behemoth have earned the stature of the biggest band in Polish rock history, peers and equals of global extreme music giants. Their albums have charted Billboard, their performances are highlights of the biggest festivals on all continents, and their recent concert at the Paris Philharmonic was broadcast by Arte TV.
Today, Behemoth are coming home to Gdańsk, announcing with it, following in the footsteps of the legendary Bathory, the return of darkness and evil. A return to their own roots and a tribute to the pioneers of the genre. “Black Metal night is here again…“
“The Return of Darkness and Evil” is out now. The music video, produced by Grupa 13, is already out. The single will also be immortalised on a limited edition vinyl pressing, available in three colour variants at the festival.
Behemoth perform at Mystic Festival 2026 on Saturday 6 June, on the Main Stage.
