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Primordial's 2005 release The Gathering Wilderness was a dark, epic masterpiece that has stood the test of time as a favorite among both critics and discerning metal fans.  Following such a heralded release would be a daunting task for any band, but with To The Nameless Dead, the Irish pagan/folk/black metal quintet have once again forged an astounding work of metallic mastery.

The music of Primordial is drenched in forlorn majesty, conjuring images of crumbling mouments and mythic times far removed from our own.  If heavy metal had existed during the Dark Ages, the bands would've surely sounded something like this. To The Nameless Dead immerses the listener in a world where vast empires mercilessly crush the ways of old, where life is filled with strife and anguish and there is only the smallest hope for freedom or even survival itself glimmering somewhere in the distance. The album is a stark reminder of those that took up arms against the imperium throughout history, only to find liberation from a slave's shackles at the end of a blade.

Discussing standout tracks on To The Nameless Dead is ultimately an exercise in futility, as the album simply demands to be absorbed as a complete whole.  Primordial don't just write songs, they take the listener on a journey, like a great Celtic bard weaving tales of long forgotten heroes and martyrs.  While much of the band's songwriting technique has a basis in black metal, Primordial transcends genre restrictions with epic scope and vision, as well as a number unique qualities that are distinctly their own.  Most notable among these qualities are the vocals of Alan Nemtheanga, who's leather-lunged man-on-the-mountain-top bellow is one of the most distinctive in all of heavy metal.  Whether using clean vocalizations to soar along with the guitars or a throaty rasp to spew venomous curses, Nemtheanga's singing and lyrics are imbued with a mournful anger that provides a focal point as the instruments carry the listener through his tales of eternal struggle.  Instrumentally, Primordial rely heavily on the interplay between guitarists Ciaran MacUlliam and Michael O'Floinn, their tremolo-picked intertwining melodies driving each track deep into the listener's conscience while drummer Simon O"Laoghaire and bassist Pol MacAmlaigh provide a solid rhythmic foundation.  Although the songs are generally midpaced throughtout To The Nameless Dead, Primordial's flair for pure song-craft is so captivating that the tracks never drag in spite of the uniform tempos and lengthy playing times.

With To The Nameless Dead, Primordial have created a more-than-worthy follow-up to The Gathering Wilderness and in many ways have surpassed that landmark release.  The album is an absolutely stunning and inspiring piece of work that deserves a spot on or near the top of any metal fan's end-of-the-year best-of list.

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Reviewer: Josh Haun Added: December 9th 2007