PRIMORDIAL — To the Nameless Dead (review)

PRIMORDIAL — To the Nameless Dead album cover

Album · 2007 · Folk Metal

4/5 · 2011-03-10
bartosso

"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 strong voice which brings an association with Bruce Dickinson, with the difference that his vocals are obviously harsher, more aggressive and, well, simply primordial.

First of all, you should know that it is absolutely great album but don't expect too much classic black metal here. It's not a problem for me since I'm not a fervent fan of the genre, but some of the old school guys may be disappointed with Primordial's approach to melody, harmony and rhythm. With previous records, the band accustomed us to underground sound and rather uniform, atmospheric style, widely known as pagan/folk black metal. This time they decided to make profound changes, partially present in their previous release, THE GATHERING WILDERNESS. The result is as follows - they've created absolutely unique and haunting piece of atmospheric metal, that will appeal to all fans of this diverse genre.

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.

Great release, but not flawless. Okay, almost perfect but if I was asked what I didn't like about it I would say: Firstly, there are very rare cases of monotony - sometimes Primordial keeps developing and/or playing one theme for too long, thereby tiring me a little bit. Secondly - frankly speaking I don't like all the songs equally. As I've said, fantastic melodies predominate over mediocre ones, but that doesn't mean they're not here at all. I think that "Gallows Hymn" is a perfect example of this drawback (still a very good song).

Actually, it's been a tough choice between 9/10 and 8/10 rating, but after careful deliberation I decided that this album deserves solid four stars. It is a musthave for any atmospheric metal fan. Really, this record is almost a masterpiece, so if you like celtic folk, early Opeth, Amorphis, Septic Flesh or any other kind of atmospheric extreme metal, check it, really, it's worth it.