Primordial - To the Nameless Dead

Primordial To the Nameless Dead. 2007. 3 stars.

I discovered this release after it had received such a strong showing on Rate your music’s Top 2007 list and its interesting to see how underground metal acts, in all sub-genres, are generating extensive cult followings online. Primordial’s grand atmospherics, passionate intensity and Celtic underpinnings make them standout among a cluttered field of Black Metal provocateurs. The sound here is epic and sweeping as the band indulge in lengthy, yet stunningly focused, song structures.

The thematics of this album explore the prideful and gluttonous failings of mankind, with tracks like “Empire Falls”, “As Rome Burns” and “No Nation on this Earth” hearkening back to the nomadic tribulations of warriors long lost, of barbarian invaders trekking across Northern Europe and the Nordic forests to make epic confrontations against imperial hordes.

If this all sounds over the top, its because it is. But the majesty and ferocity of this music overcomes its obvious lyrical pretensions. The vocals here are quite interesting as well, abandoning beast-like moans and growls for the more refined and emotional tenor of Alan Averill.

The exhaustive length of the album’s songs due take a toll on having a full, contemplative listening experience, as the epic dirges tend to drag on, blending into each other across its progression. But To the Nameless Dead remains an intriguing release that certainly demonstrates the band’s technical prowess and penchant for crafting mood and atmosphere.

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