Review Summary: To Hell… Or The Hangman’s Noose
Primordial have certainly defined themselves over the course of their career. A series of well received and critically acclaimed records helped cement their place, building a commendable fan base through experimentation of their doom laden black metal sound. And while listeners found themselves lost within the winding chapters of the band’s previous releases (particularly
The Gathering Wilderness and
To The Nameless Dead) it’s clear that Primordial have taken a completely different, albeit increasingly straightforward approach to their newest offering,
Exile Amongst The Ruins.
At
Exile Amongst…’s core is a simplification of the signature Primordial sound. Shorter tracks with punch permeate the album’s length. The result is a display of blackened rock, culminating a sense of direction quite different to the group’s past releases. That’s not to say Primordial have released a bad record, rather it simply doesn’t reach for the same goals as did
Where Greater Men Have Fallen or
Redemption At The Puritan’s Hand. The sense of urgency has passed for this Irish five piece, and a laid back doom based rock has replaced the multilateral soundscapes of the band’s past. Rightly so the music is typically Primordial (as typical as that can potentially be) but 2018 sees a little bit of new, a little bit of something old and something blue(s).
Exile Amongst… will not reach the band’s opus status found in the likes of
The Gathering Wilderness, instead listeners are graced by a honest, down to earth album with a refined example of toning down one’s signature sound.
The biggest issue Primordial’s newest offering has doesn’t actually come from the record itself. It’s the expectation to continue the band’s swirling, epic brand of doom based black metal. The predisposition to write music a particular way in the ears of the listener has a cramping effect on what is actually laid out for all to hear. Primordial have done something differently this time around and the result is solid, if not completely innovative. Innovation is not what they are going for here.
In taking our heads out of the past and sitting them squarely in the present, there’s a lot to be taken away from
Exile Amongst The Ruins. The record’s opening piece, “Nail Their Tongues” enters a brooding atmosphere before laying out a riff led ode to consistent music. Averill takes centre stage, lifting his vocal progression sounding quite adventurous as he delves into tales of Irish heritage. It’s a theme that carries the album’s length, bolstering the instrumental effort that effortlessly carries each verse. Primordial have gone to great lengths to scale their music back without losing the atmospheric nuances that keep them relevant. The record’s title track is a fine example of what’s mentioned above. Averill’s storytelling is compelling, heartfelt and honest. Rather than overselling the album’s motif he brings an air of the epic, without the cheese often associated with such contextual beginnings. Falling just short of the eight minute mark, the record’s title track clearly defines what Primordial are offering circa 2018.
At a first glance one could be forgiven for dismissing
Exile Amongst… as the band’s “middling” record, a proverbial slump in a catalogue of great releases. Justifiably this has all the trademarks of being an album worth that title of ridicule. But those familiar with Primordial will tell you to look deeper, have a small measure of patience and open your mind. Yes, this isn’t the same massive soundscape that longtime listeners will be used to. Sure, this may not have the same deep impact as some of the band’s longer tracks, but it definitely stands firmly on its own two feet. For those hoping the standard Primordial black metal fare still exists here they’ll be pleased to know “Upon Our Spiritual Deathbed” brings the folk-y, acoustic black metal edge we’ve all come to love. Far from one dimensional, the track contrasts frenetic furor with trodding traditional black metal. Each track has its own voice, even if it is further away from the majesty of Primordial’s legacy albums. As it stands Primordial have not at least, forgotten who they are.
Overall it’s album’s like these that will create headaches and smiles simultaneously for listeners. Some will question why Primordial have moved their music in this simplistic direction while they appreciate the beauty of a direct approach. For what it’s worth,
Exile Amongst The Ruins shows experience in experimentation on the group’s newest release. The album is immersive, yet naturally raw and honest. Averill’s vocal approach here is welcome and warm, fully relating the world of Irish folk heritage he contextualises in Primordial’s lyrics. If you’re a fan of their previous records you’re sure to find something enjoyable here. On the other hand, if Primordial was a banal listen of epic proportions, you’re just as likely to find nothing here to convert you.
