Review Summary: “Claim what is rightfully yours”
The above is a vocal excerpt from the first track of the EP, entitled ‘The Calling’. It makes true of Primordial’s work ethic not only on
The Burning Season EP, but also their career. Those who have followed the band have seen them grow into a force and the success that follows is only sure to grow.
The Burning Season EP is a strong albeit short release making for an enjoyable listen while it lasts.
The Burning Season EP combines similar elements to create an interestingly diverse listen with a highly progressive sound. Needless to say, while this has all been done before, Primordial has managed to combine these styles to make a fairly unique sound. Mixing elements of pagan, Celtic, progressive and even some atmospheric aspects of doom this EP is a display of how Primordial has had the success that they have for so long worked for. Features that this EP shows include a subconscious mind trick that comes from the length of its tracks. Listeners will notice that each track is longer than the last, which not only adds to the progressive feel of the EP but also makes the entire of the record feel longer. As for the overall sound, the production gives it a little raw edge that adds to the slightly doom inspired atmosphere, and adds to the ever present pagan/folk themes. Each track builds on the last creating a length for the EP that is not actually there.
The EP kicks off with ‘The Calling’, already the band has that practiced and experienced sound, layers are craftily added over the top of the next and while this may seem overly predictable it’s far from uninteresting. A strong show of restraint and talent from O’Laoghaire from behind the drum kit holds this band together and this first track is but a show of what is to come. In many ways
The Burning Season EP could be seen as a lead up into their next full length release (and better received)
Spirit The Earth Aflame. The EP’s title track even features there and is a highlight of this record. The title track is example of the overall feel of the EP. Incorporating their signature mix of elements all in one track, Primordial have built a staple sound with blast beats, progressive riffing, Nemtheanga’s spoken, screeched and medium high pitched clean vocals, not to mention the obvious lyrical content littered throughout the record (temples, skulls, fore-wind, other medieval features etc.) that not only complement each other but have their own diverse features that maintain the interest of the listener.
While
The Burning Season EP is a force in its own right, it fails to reach the success of the full length releases both before and after. It makes less of an impression on the listener due to its overall brevity and does not have that overly polished sound that comes with Primordial’s full length releases. What listeners do get out of this release is a solid show of workmanship, both instrumentally and in creative structuring. The album has a consistent yet diverse sound that relies heavily on its progressive black metal style. A worthy album for anyone interested in the above mentioned styles.
