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The Gathering Wilderness is in a word, epic. Primordial prides themselves on their Irish heritage and their multitude of musical influences which is surely the main cause of their unique blend of music. There are clear influences from black metal, death metal and even thrash. I had never heard of them until now, although looking at their discography lists they seem to have been around for quite some time. The fact that they're on metal blade now is definitely a sign that they're trying to move up out of the underground and this album should definitely reach a wider audience than their previous albums did. My first impression of this album was sheer surprise. Reading the description sent by MB and looking over some of the album art and packaging, I expected something along the lines of Katatonia only heavier with more left over influences from their early black/death roots. However, what I encountered was an incredibly dark and brooding sound, both atmospheric and in-your-face at often the same time. Honestly I flat out didn't like it the first time I listened to it. It was most likely due to my misconceptions about how it would sound, but it may also have been that it seems a bit plodding at first. As you listen again and again however, it not only grows on you, but becomes more clear in its purpose and meaning.
The recording quality is not the best, but its dark and has a sort of serenity and aged sound to it, which works wonders for the song material. I think one of my initial problems was the clean vocals as well, which run along the lines of the agonized wailings of My Dying Bride's vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe. I'm actually an MDB fan and I thoroughly enjoy Stainthorpe's unique style, but I initially felt like Nemtheanga's vocals were out of place. However, his vocals, much like the music, quickly grew on me. The small niche in which his vocal style fits is right here in Primordial and after thinking about it I can't conceive any different style that would be more appropriate for evoking the desolation and deep melancholy that "The Gathering Wilderness" does.
"The Coffin Ships" was truly a memorable track and the intro and buildup are plain masterful. I really like the unusual snare drumming found here and during other tracks on the album and it really takes the atmosphere the extra mile. "Cities Carved in Stone" is another personal favorite, but overall the album feels like one big piece, and as far as I'm concerned it's a good thing.
I recommend all of you to go check out this album as soon as you get the chance, because I really can't see how you would be dissappointed. Well, ok, the only way you could be dissappointed is if perhaps you only listened to it once. Give it a second or third chance, and I guarentee that you'll grow to appreciate it quickly. Great musicianship, songwriting, and masterful atmosphere and control of emotion are just some of the talents Primordial have displayed on "The Gathering Wilderness." This is a band and an album that definitely deserve your attention!
| Tracklist |
| 1. The Golden Spiral |
| 2. The Gathering Wilderness |
| 3. The Song Of The Tomb |
| 4. End Of All Times (Martyrs Fire) |
| 5. The Coffin Ships |
| 6. Tragedy's Birth |
| 7. Cities Carved In Stone |
: 59.32
| Buy other Primordial albums |
