#21 - Top of 2011

Welcome to another top list! This will be the last list we will be doing in chronological order before coming to the present to review the top 31 albums of 2016!

Primordial - Redemption at the Puritan's Hand (Metal Blade)

Primordial are, in a sense a historical band. They came out of the second wave of black metal back in the mid nineties along with all bands all over Europe (Mayhem, Rotting Christ, Moonspell etc.) that changed the landscape of how modern metal sounds like. Each of these bands followed its own road and the sound of Primordial changed by incorporating folk and post elements, forging a unique and personal sound, built around the heartfelt vocals of A.A. Nemtheanga (Alan Averill). Their song are grim and yet powerful, channelling the Irish spirit. "Redemption at the Puritan's Hand" is the seventh album of the band and follows the same powerful recipe that its predecessor ("To the Nameless Dead ") did. The album's lyrical themes revolve around the issue of death and how humanity tries to cope with it. It kicks off with "No Grave Deep Enough", an aggressive opener eager to tear you down. "Lain With the Wolf", which  follows, is a passionate mid-tempo track, angry and bitter. "The Mouth of Judas" is a sorrowful ballad, which climaxes almost flawlessly with excellent guitarwork throughout. The title track moves slowly from slow  melodies into wild Celtic folk riffs , full of energy. Finally, "Bloodied yet Unbound" sounds like a terrfiying recitation of AA Neamthanga speaking on the behalf of the spirits, declaring his anger and determination, Bloodied Yet Unbound indeed!. Overall it is one of the finest moments of Primordial and a good album to listen if you are unfamiliar with the band and want to see if they are "doing it" for you.




92/100

Below is a live performance for "Bloodied Yet Unbound".