Primordial
To The Nameless Dead
Band: Primordial
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Primordial once again represents Ireland in the global black metal scene. This five-piece band has kept metal fans in enthrall for so long (they formed in 1987) because their music is equally brilliant and original. With "To the Nameless Dead" they retain all the aspects that initially drew fans to the group: epic, mid-paced rhythms, powerful clean and black metal vocals, and Celtic influences, although the Celtic parts seem fewer than past efforts.
Naihmass Nemtheanga's vocals first caught my ear. His voice is of such a distinct character. He mostly assumes the clean side of his voice on "To the Nameless Dead," which I find most intriguing. This area works better because this voice is so impassioned and distinct. One need listen closely to notice his Irish accent, which gives the music a folksy quality, and his strong lungs command the listener's attention. Nemtheanga switches to a raspy, black metal tongue during climatic parts such as the chorus during "Empire Falls" or reserves these harsher tones during specific verse lines as heard on "Gallows Hymn" and "Traitors Gate." Primordial surely realizes Nemtheanga's extraordinary talent for each song gradually builds through long, instrumental periods before finding an energetic release in his voice. Soft acoustic guitars on "Empire Falls" quietly ease in the album before the trademark, hollow chords signify the coming of Nemtheanga's strong vocals. "Gallows Hymn" features a longer build than its predecessor does. This track has a three-part build starting with Pól MacAmlaigh's clear, simple bass line. Clean guitars add to the somber tone before the same rhythm transforms into distorted tones. Here the group finds their stride, leading into the vocals. However, not all songs work the soft-to-heavy motif. "Traitors Gate" jumps right out of the gate into Bathory-inspired hammering drums and a whirlwind of guitar picking. "No Nation on This Earth" triumphantly moves with the swagger of a steel-wielding hand. "Heathen Tribes" is of the most obvious Celtic persuasion. A folk, acoustic guitar rhythm plays through out the track, briefly stepping aside for a medieval-style guitar break. The vocals on this track follow the Celt-like rhythm of the acoustics. Just as the vocals bear traces of an Irish accent, the music communicates slight traces of the group's ancient Germanic tribal heritage. One area that brings this to life is the drums. The low thump of Simon O'Laoghaire's drums gives the music a primal, pagan attribute. "To the Nameless Dead" is my first exposure to Primordial. The name is one I've seen for many years, but for some reason, never bought any of their music. Their fans have always been vocal in their support for the band. It is easy to see why. "To the Nameless Dead" should continue these fans' ongoing devotion. The devotion is just starting for me! Darren Cowan
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