Friday, March 11, 2011

PRIMORDIAL - To the Nameless Dead

"Bruce Dickinson of black metal"

I don't remember where I've read those words above, but I hope I do no harm to the author by quoting her/him here. Anyway, Primordial's frontman, A.A. Nemtheanga, is a damn good vocalist. He uses black metal growling very well, but his clean vocal skills and incredible charisma are what makes him unique. He has a strong voice somewhat reminiscent of Bruce Dickinson, with the difference that his vocals are obviously harsher, more aggressive and, well, simply primordial.

TO THE NAMELESS DEAD is a monumental work of metal, immersed in disturbing atmosphere of ancient and dark times of Roman Empire and the barbarians from the north. This very consistent and original idea is performed with great riffs and mature guitar harmonies, dynamic drumming and emotional, powerful vocals. Riffs are still rooted in black metal in a way, but the musicians draw from outside the genre as well. You'll hear doom metal harmonies, heavy metal influences and brooding folk metal atmosphere here. It's the first time in their career I can say that the production is fantastic - harsh yet clean, heavy and natural sound emphasize dark and uncompromising character of the work. The record sounds like an impeccable live album at times, and this is a compliment in this case. The most important thing about that though, is this rare feature that so few musicians can boast of - ability to move the listener by the music filled with genuine, breathtaking passion and almost heartrending emotion. There are very rare moments of monotony - sometimes Primordial keeps developing and/or playing one theme for too long.

It is a musthave for any atmospheric metal fan. If you like raw celtic folk, early Opeth, Amorphis, Septic Flesh or any other kind of atmospheric extreme metal, check it, really, it's worth it.