One of the most interesting and promising bands that cope with extreme sound is the Irish Primordial, which has been creating some serious sound (well supported by outstanding releases) around its name during the last few years.
The Irish bards of epic Death/Black Metal, two years after the monumental Storm Before Calm, make a surprising comeback having a precious gift in hand for their die-hard fans. That's right, Dark Romanticism is nothing more than the band's very first demo, originally released back in 1993 and as the band itself says the fans' numerous requests impelled them to make such a move.
Though the demo itself could constitute an appealing proposal, on the score of rarity and collection, the band decided to rise further more the interest behind this release and embodied 4 live tracks in it and a 43 minute bonus DVD recorded at the San Open Air on August 2003. The extra live tracks included in the album, were recorded back in 1993 and if the first 2 of them look unfamiliar to you, stop blaming yourself for a lack of affection to the band. The specific songs (In Graciousness, A Blacker Art) never made it on the demo and though the sound is rough their value is inestimable for the fans. On the other hand, the following tracks (Total Destruction, To Walk The Infernal Fields) are Bathory's and Dark Throne's covers. And that's quite reasonable and predictable if you consider Primordial's sound that has several references and influences from the aforementioned bands.
As far as the DVD is concerned, the sound and picture's standards range from satisfying to a very good level and the only thing that stains it negatively is the crowd's reaction. Though the band ascribes fluently, the people attending this concert were more static than a cinder block. Anyway, the songs performed in the band's specific appearance are Fallen To Ruin, Cast To The Pyre, Sons Of Morrigan (from Storm Before Calm (2002)), Gods To The Godless, The Burning Season (from Spirit The Earth Aflame (2000)) and To Enter Pagan from the homonymous demo.
An unexceptionable release from any point of view that will thrill the fans and boost the expectation for the band's next studio album. Precious, rare and lots of material in one release. Hats off!