Black/death metal band Belphegor, formed in 1991 in Salzburg, Austria, unleashed their ferocious new single Sanctus Diaboli Confidimus on August 6, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music’s YouTube channel, marking their first release under a newly signed deal with the label. Stream the single at belphegor.rpm.link/sdcPR and watch the video at:
Described by co-founder Helmuth Lehner as a “symbiosis of diabolical black death metal” and a “hypnotic anthem of passion, fire, and iron discipline,” the track glorifies the Devil and serves as a harbinger for their upcoming thirteenth studio album, set for release in 2026 via Reigning Phoenix Music. The single, recorded with the band’s signature blend of violent precision and ritualistic darkness, sets the stage for a deeper, more primal continuation of their dark artistic path.
Since their formation, Belphegor have carved a relentless path through the extreme metal landscape, merging the raw aggression of death metal with the arcane atmosphere of black metal. Founded by Helmuth Lehner (vocals, guitar), the band’s early works, including The Last Supper (1995), Blutsabbath (1997), and Necrodaemon Terrorsathan (2000), established their reputation for unrelenting blasphemy. Over the years, albums like Lucifer Incestus, Bondage Goat Zombie, Pestapokalypse VI, and Totenritual showcased their evolution, incorporating sophisticated compositions while maintaining their transgressive edge. Their 2022 album The Devils, recorded at Fascination Street Studios with producer Jens Bogren and featuring artwork by Seth Siro Anton, marked a high point with its nine meticulously crafted tracks, blending choral passages, ritualistic structures, and multilingual lyrics in German, Latin, and English.
The signing with Reigning Phoenix Music reunites Belphegor with Gerardo Martinez, who first brought the band to North America in 2006. Helmuth expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “It’s great to be working with Gerardo Martinez once again. He believed in Belphegor early on and was the one who brought us to North America. I look forward to a powerful new chapter with RPM.” Martinez echoed this sentiment, highlighting Belphegor’s status as “one of the best proponents of black death metal art” and anticipating years of groundbreaking music. This alliance signals a bold new era for the band, aligning their uncompromising vision with a label known for its ambition in the extreme metal scene.
Sanctus Diaboli Confidimus embodies Belphegor’s core ethos of absolute freedom and self-determination, as Helmuth notes it stands for “the absolute freedom to walk your own path, to reign within your own realm.” The track’s ferocious intensity and hypnotic quality hint at the direction of the forthcoming album, which promises to delve deeper into the band’s ritualistic and primal sound. The press release teases the significance of the number thirteen, symbolizing endings, thresholds, and the passage into the unknown, suggesting the new album will break new ground.
The band’s legacy extends beyond their recordings, with a reputation for intense live performances described as ceremonies of infernal theater. Their appearances at festivals like Wacken Open Air, Knotfest, Bloodstock, Hellfest, and Sweden Rock have solidified their global presence. Their 2023 Amadeus Austrian Music Award in the Hard and Heavy category, a rare mainstream accolade for such a transgressive act, underscores their enduring impact. As Belphegor prepare to unleash their thirteenth album, the current lineup—Helmuth Lehner (vocals, guitar), Serpenth (bass), and Simon Schilling (drums)—continues to push the boundaries of extreme music with unrelenting ferocity and artistic ambition.
Follow Belphegor at belphegor.at, Facebook, Instagram, and X.