This CD really isnt much different from Primordials other releases. For those not familiar with the band, Primordial play unique, atmospheric folk metal, with a versatile vocalist whos delivery can for the most part be described as somewhat of an emotionally charged chanting, though he sometimes employs a more black metallish delivery, and sometimes an angry sounding yell. The songs on this CD are largely slow paced. The slow pace of the songs adds to the overwhelming feeling of melancholy and sorrow that has always marked Primordials sound. The music on this CD is about atmosphere, and not catchy, crushing riffs. Multi-layered guitar tracks work together to create an amazing sense of atmosphere achieved by few other, if any, bands. Some people might find the music simplistic, minimalistic, or repetitive upon first listen, but upon closer listen the multiple guitar tracks weave an intricate, complex musical mesh that is anything but simplistic. This is not the kind of metal you would put on when you are in the mood for something aggressive and charged with energy. It is something you would pop in when you are in the mood for some brooding, melancholic music with an atmosphere that will live you in a trance. The songs on this CD are all quite long (none of them fall short of the 7:00 mark), but never get boring. Actually, my favorite song on the CD is the longest song, The Coffin Ships, clocking in at almost 10:00. It is a very sad song, with lyrics dealing with the mid 19th century famine in Ireland, in which the country lost over 3,000,000 people. Alans vocal delivery sounds as sad and pained as the songs lyrics are. This CD should appeal to fans of folk metal, atmospheric black metal, and doom metal, as elements of all can be found in the music. Hell, this CD should appeal to fans of good music in general. I do not think it is a stretch to say that this CD could well wind up being the best of 2005.
