Primordial - To The Nameless Dead

[George]

Primordial - To The Nameless Dead
Metal Blade Records - SPV CD 085 - November 16, 2007
By George Grant



“If we can’t find the ‘soul’ of a work of art expressed in its body, informing and giving life to every limb, then we may be pretty sure it is not worth looking for.’ These words from Robin Wood, a famous Alfred Hitchcock critic, remind us that art should be more than skin deep. As Mr. Wood found through Hitchcock’s films, I too have found in Primordial’s newest release To the Nameless Dead.

What separates Primordial from their contemporaries is their knowledge in composition. The band pays special attention to the flow of ideas through songs and the development of themes. They take their time in presenting an idea and build upon those ideas to reflect the themes. The beginning of ‘Gallows Hymn’ is a simplistic phrase that is repeated over and over. Through this an emotional depth is added not only in the music but also as singer Nemtheanga pours out the lyrics. At the end of the piece, as Nemtheanga reaches his climatic revelation: ‘I am a heathen searching for his soul,’ the music as well reaches this climax finally revealing the full potential of the initial theme. Many times throughout the album Nemtheanga’s vocals will help in bringing the emotional weight through his soaring cleans and grim vocals.

Further evidence can be heard in what I believe to be the strongest track on the album, ‘As Rome Burns.’ Early into the track the band sets the blueprint through the chorus with the guitar building to tension and then releasing only to build again. Yet, nearing the completion of the track the band leaves the listener on an emotional plateau. Instead of offering a quick resolution the band plays with the expectations which set up the dramatic ending. Although the musical theme has finished the feeling has not been resolved and slowly Nemtheanga begins his chants backed by tribal drums. As the volume increases so does the tension and in true Primordial fashion the climax pays off this build-up in spades.

Now, this style of songwriting can make it difficult on first listen. Such was the case with To the Nameless Dead on my first listens; however, as more time is given to the music these details become apparent. Also, with the degree of maturity in Primordial’s songwriting they transcend the confinements of their black metal foundation save for the blasting rhythms of ‘Traitors Gate.’

The production employed on the album is another reason why Primordial stands above the fray. Instead of a cheap, thin and plastic sound To the Nameless Dead has a warm and natural sound to compliment the music. The drums especially benefit in the sense that they sound like real drums, and not some cheap computerized sound sample.

Overall, Primordial has created one of the best albums of the year. Their skill in composition, although tough to grasp at first, is one of the best in the game. The flow of ideas expressed in To the Nameless Dead makes it the exciting listen that it is, and it ensures enjoyable repeated listens for years to come.

Official Primordial Website
Official Metal Blade Records Website

[TheTechnogoat]

great review, great album.

[Dr. Abner Mality]

"No Nation On This Earth" by itself would justify the purchase of this album. This is the first I've heard of Primordial and they are a really passionate bunch with a unique sound.

[the_drip]

tbh, I liked Gathering Wilderness quite a bit more than this.

[Bleakest Harvest]

I think The Gathering Wilderness is slightly better than this, but it's fantastic and an essential purchase nonetheless!

[Hypnos]

album of the year for me. this band can do nothing wrong

[BloodSword]

Yeah, this was my album of the year as well. Nemthangga has to be one of the most passionate vocalists working today. And the guitars, man those guitars. Excellent review.

[the_drip]

its barely even the 2nd month of the year. there's still a ton of albums coming. including new Opeth, Enslaved and Messhugah...not to mention Martriden...(shameless plug )

[Hypnos]

we speak of 2007. 'To The Nameless Dead' was released in 2007

[the_drip]

..oh was it? lol. must've been late December I just got it a couple weeks ago. ....and Terrorizer JUST put reviewed it.

[Hypnos]

Primordial - To The Nameless Dead
Metal Blade Records - SPV CD 085 - November 16, 2007

[Edias]

I just picked this up recently and, although I haven't had the chance to fully digest it yet, I can safely say that this album kicks ass. Another great album from a great band.

[WNxScythe]

Amazing album.

I like TGW slightly more though.

If there's ever been a band that deserved to make it big, it's Primordial.

Can't wait for their next one!

[the_drip]

^ I agree whole heartedly, amazing band. amazing vocalist.

[Ben@EmptyPlayground]

I was very impressed by this album, I acctually have chosen it as my 'pick of 2007' in the next issue of my magazine. I agree with those above about the vocals too, really passionate and intense!

Good Stuff!

[Shadow298]

just got my hands on this album and can't stop listening to it.

one of the best albums that I have heard in simply ages!

[tokfan]

One of the best CDs released last year.

[Einherjar86]

Fantastic band. Fantastic album.

[challenge_everything]

To break the cycle of gushing praise: MASSIVELY OVERRATED.

To the Nameless Dead sounds exactly the same as their previous three albums. All have the same weaknesses: they open with an amazing first track (c.f. "The Golden Spiral" and "Gods to the Godless") then meander through the rest of the album aimlessly. They usually manage to squeeze out one other good track around number 7 ("The Coffin Ships", "Traitors Gate").

The riffs are very same-ish and repetitive - which is fine when it's a killer riff like the aforementioned tracks, but Primordial quickly go from phenomenal to mediocre when the theme riff is slightly sub-par. Nemtheanga has a great voice, but it sounds like they are too lazy to write a decent vocal melody. Again, the opening track shows promise because he actually sings a chorus, but after that, every song he uses the same intonation, ranting like a deranged pirate.

Finally, this is supposed to be war music! The drums should be thunderous, but instead sound like they are slapping a wet piece of lettuce on a cardboard box.

My view is: put together the best tracks from their last three albums, and you'd have one killer album. As it is, you have wasted potential.

[the autocrat]

Brilliant band, brilliant album and best of all I get to see them play in Germany at the Ragnarok fest this year.

[Einherjar86]

Originally Posted by challenge_everything

Finally, this is supposed to be war music! The drums should be thunderous, but instead sound like they are slapping a wet piece of lettuce on a cardboard box.

Where in hell did you get the idea that Primordial is supposed to make war music?

[TheGreatDeceiver]

Yeah, the drumming on Traitor's Gate is so timid.

[mooDoom]

This is the first and only album I have heard from them and it is very good.

[RampageSword]

Originally Posted by challenge_everything

Finally, this is supposed to be war music!

Oh, who said that? Have you read anything the band itself put in the booklet explaining the main themes are nationhood and the loss of faith? Or maybe you decided it should be war metal? You're Primordial's muse maybe? Look, if you can't understand metal past the base level of BAM BAM BAM RIFF RIFF RIFF RIFF YEAHHHHH!!!! INTENSE!!! WE'RE SO DRUNK AND COKED AND INTENSE!!!! Why the hell did you waste our time and yours, listening to a multilevel, dedicated and accomplished act like Primordial?

[challenge_everything]

they're trying to create epic, wall of sound type music, and the drums are flaccid and too low in the mix. I don't see what's hard to understand about that