Sound: Primordial are undoubtedly Irelands best and most popular metal export to date, and are slowly gaining the respect of the metal media and community worldwide. Regarded as one of the best and most consistent bands in their respected genre, Primordial are the innovators of pagan/celtic black metal. In 2005, they released what was considered the highlight of their career. “The Gathering Wilderness” a powerful, lament laden masterpiece, which brought Primordials music to a whole new audience. However despite the glory of this album, and the difficult task which lay ahead of the band to continue their progression and ever increasing skill, not only have they lived up to their previous success, I feel they have released something that is superior to it. The album kicks off with a fast energetic gallop that is “Empire Falls”. An excellent opening track, consisting of hard fast drumming and folk filled melodies. Primordial like their previous album, do not use the wind instruments that are so common in Folk Metal, but prefer to incorporate their national music subtly through the melodies and time signatures.
“Gallows Hymn” continues the sorrowful riffage which is so commonly associated with the band, slowly building up the pace with a military sounding rhythm on the snare, the music is very reminiscent of the songs meaning. Of the journey the Pagans of old Ireland took part in, trying to comprehend Christianity and a better understanding of themselves and their spirituality. The main melody, mournfully saying goodbye to a life of old, but also in hope of something better. Next we are introduced to the nine minute epic “As Rome Burns” by a slow tribal drum beat, which can only be compared to the rhythms heard on the traditional Bodhrán in Irish music. Simon O'Laoghaire again doing an excellent job complimenting the sweet mournful guitar with his signature style. The song leads into a long bridge, which builds up tenaciously back into the main riff. “Failures Burden”, is one for the head banging, making use of the slow mournful riffs that have been used since the start. It is the “Autumns Ablaze” of the new album. Not the highlight of the new album, still very enjoyable, but lacks dynamics or any real defining factors that would make it stand out from their other work.
After this comes one of my favourite songs off the album, and by any band in general. The powerful folk influence “Heathen Tribes”. Suitable vocals and styles, about our European Pagan ancestors and their love/worship of the land. “Yet when to Ireland we
Return know that I am home at last.” It suitably kicks into a jig like riff, with a powerful melody half way through the song. It follows the journey of the Pagans of old, and the resting place of the Celts as they are driven west by new religions and foreign ideals. Amazing song. We are then given a “breather”, an eerie instrumental, “The Rising Tide” gives us time to reflect on the past songs and also raises our expectations for the next song. This break of music was suitable here, and after we hear the brutal blast beats and upbeat tempo of the following track, you will be most certainly grateful of the break.
“Traitors Gate” is a compromise. A counterpoint of the bands proud sorrowful folk influences, and the extreme black metal of their roots. Blast beats 'blast’ it off to an extreme start, but the clear folk style can still be heard in the vocals and guitar chords. I must use this song as an opportunity to mention the brilliance that is Ciaran MacUiliam and Micheal O'Floinn. The riffs of this album are tremendous, and their ability to combine the beautiful music of Ireland with the extreme music of black metal to create such a sound is immense, and of course bassist Pól MacAmlaigh for providing suitable and groove laden bass lines in all the songs. Finally we reach the closing song. A dark and epic song, with some tasty black metal riffs but again not fully leaving go the Irish influences. The climax of the song is at 4; 30, a beautiful riff with some excellent vocals. Nemtheanga exercises his more raspy traditional black metal vocals to my delight. They couldn’t have had a better way to finish such an epic album. Recorded in Foel Studios in North Wales, the production is raw. Perfect for the emotion and pride the band take in their music. As was intended, you can feel the amps burn into overdrive, you can feel every powerful beat hit by the drummer, and of course the rasp and pain exerted by Nemtheanga as he sings and educates us about remembering our fallen heroes, and forgotten martyrs. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: There is no questioning Alan Averill’s skill in delivering powerful vocals and his ability to write meaningful lyrics which can be understood and related to by people of all cultures and backgrounds. While “The Gathering Wilderness” focused on the more sorrowful, depressing side of Irelands history and culture (and trust me there’s a lot of it) “To The Nameless Dead”, was one of hope and taking pride even in defeat. A theme that is compared by the band to the legend of Cúchullain. He tells tales of fallen martyrs that are nonexistent in our lives and those who died for a cause but are forgotten by the people of today. He uses a more angry and aggressive style in comparison to the sorrowful laments of their previous record. His top class ability to sing and scream, and powerful lyrics most certainly deserve a 10. // 10
Impression: It is impossible to compare this album to anything else heard in Black Metal or Folk. For it's originality alone I believe this album is up with the best of 2007. It follows on from “The Gathering Wilderness“, but takes the music and themes to a new level. it's theme is something many people in Ireland and Europe can relate to. A pride in our heritage, our blood line and history. To remember those who died fighting for their beliefs, and to acknowledge the sacrifices of our past. Notable tracks include “Heathen Tribes”, “Empire Falls”, and “Gallows Hymn”. It is clear from the above what I love about this album and this band. Their pride in their heritage, the unique blend of folk and metal, the emotion conveyed in the music, and the powerful instrumentation. The following quote was taken from the official press release by the band, and I believe demonstrates fully, just how much this music means to Primordial. “We play music because we have to, this is in our veins. This is our culture, our history, our folklore, our heritage. We make no apologies, we will not compromise.” // 9
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