Death Metal Band Behemoth Visits Sick Children at Wheeling Hospital

WHEELING - Playing music had been a lifelong dream of Allison Richland, a 10-year old from Warwood. Unfortunately, she lost the use of her most of her motor functions after a car accident left her paralyzed. Nine-year old Mitchell Reese of Wheeling Island had always wanted to attend a concert, but a battle with leukemia is forcing him to live in a hospital room. Stories such as these are all too common for the patients of Wheeling Hospital's Center for Pediatrics, some of whom are suffering from terminal conditions. Yesterday, however, the children received some unexpected visitors who brightened their spirits, if just for a moment.

Behemoth, a death metal band from Poland, played a show at Wes Banco Arena and heard about the children at Wheeling Hospital.

"I felt terrible when they told me about those poor kids," said lead singer Adam Darski. "It reminded me of the little girl from our music video for 'Lucifer'."

Darski gathered up the rest of his band and headed over to the hospital to visit the children after the show. The kids were gathered in their play room, and screamed in excitement when the band arrived, sporting their signature demonic clothing and face paint. The children screamed the for the entire duration of Behemoth's visit.

"They never stopped," said Darski, tears streaming down his face. "It was like they were at a real concert."

Behemoth played an acoustic show for the kids; Darski's deep, guttural growls and screams filled the air with melodies of hope and joy. Director Judy Romano said that she thought the meeting was a success.

"Little Allison wanted desperately to see Justin Bieber," said Romano. "But I think this nice rock band did a good job. She was crying the entire time. She must have really liked them."