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