Primordial is one of those bands that have been around a while, yet haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve.  That began to change in 2009, when they were a part of the Pagan Fest tour and wowed fans with their live performances.  Soon, newcomers to the band were finding out what the long time fans already know: Primordial makes great music.  Their new album Redemption at the Puritan’s Hand is no exception, as it continues the tradition of a powerful, yet dark blend of Celtic folk and black metal.

One of the first things that the listener will notice about Redemption at the Puritan’s Hand is the band’s return to a darker atmosphere, a subtle, yet noticeable quirk when compared to their previous album To the Nameless Dead.  The constant in all of the Primordial albums has been the vocals of Alan Nemtheanga, which has always put the exclamation point on the band’s sound, and Nemtheanga’s vocals are as strong as ever on Redemption at the Puritan’s Hand.   Even the spoken parts have a positive effect on the listener and don’t come across as cheesy.  The album begins with “No Grave Deep Enough,” which is similar to the way To the Nameless Dead began in that the song is fast by Primordial standards and gets the listener into the album right away.  Where Redemption at the Puritan’s Hand stands out is that the entire album takes charge and grabs the listener by the throat in its own distinct style.  It’s not as dark as The Gathering Wilderness, but it’s not as light in atmosphere as To the Nameless Dead, an indication that nothing short of perfection will satisfy Primordial.  The drumming will never blow anyone away, but it doesn’t ever have to, yet on this album, the drumming is probably the best that Primordial has ever pushed out there for the listener, as evidenced by “Lain With the Wolf” and “The Black Hundred.”  Atmosphere development has always been another of Primordial’s strengths, and that is never more evident than on the intro to “Bloodied Yet Unbowed.”  A lot of what the band has done has been without any special additions such as whistles, keyboards, and violins, which make Primordial sound more special.  The only true complaint anyone could have with Redemption at the Puritan’s Hand would be one of time, as the eight tracks total just over an hour.  It’s only a minor complaint for an album that can boast standout tracks such as “God’s Old Snake” and “Bloodied Yet Unbowed,” yet also contain no filler.

Primordial is just now starting to get some of the recognition they deserve.  Sparked by their Pagan Fest appearance, Metal Blade has re-released the band’s earlier albums to get people caught up on the band.  So, with seemingly all eyes (and ears) on them, Primordial does not disappoint with their latest album Redemption at the Puritan’s Hand.  Primordial keeps setting the bar high for themselves, and they seem to outdo themselves every year, so who knows the expectations for their next album.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  No Grave Deep Enough
2.  Lain With the Wolf
3.  Bloodied Yet Unbowed
4.  God’s Old Snake
5.  The Mouth of Judas
6.  The Black Hundred
7.  The Puritan’s Hand
8.  Death of the Gods

Total playing time:  63:57

Release Date: April 23, 2011
Label: Metal Blade Records

Primordial - Redemption at the Puritan’s Hand

Reviewer: Peter

April 26, 2011