PRIMORDIAL's "The Gathering Wilderness" dropped down like a ton of bricks on me a couple of years ago. I don't remember what appealed to me about it because I knew absolutely nothing about PRIMORDIAL prior to that release. I didn't know what to expect at all, I had my hunches but damn was I wrong. I could never imagine something ever sounding like PRIMORDIAL but then again, I wasn't very versed in the Pagan paths then, nor am I now. But PRIMORDIAL impressed me a lot so I've followed them since, and also been digging a little in their back catalogue. I just loved the BATHORY vibe in the music with the faithful and ominous vocals A.A. Nemtheanga which still holds a lot of melody though.

I've listened to "Redemption At The Puritans Hand" countless times, not that it is utterly complex in any way, rather the opposite. Or? I would say "Redemption At The Puritans Hand" is more commercial sounding compared to the two prior to it. The production is neater and softer. On the other hand, there are not any really direct and catchy songs as "As Rome Burns" from "To The Nameless Death" for example. So in that way it actually is less commercial. Both of these are a little unfortunate I think. One of the most powerful live experiences ever was when PRIMORDIAL played atWacken Open Air and several thousands of Metal Heads hissed out the sing, sing, sing to the slaves, Sing to the Slaves that Rome Burns parts of the above mentioned song.

Nothing like that will happen with any of the songs of "Redemption At The Puritans Hand". Of course, the album has really strong songs straight through, they have to be since they hold for their extreme length, none below 6 minutes and most around 8. The build-up in the beginning of "Lain With The Wolf" is phenomenal, something that is a trademark for PRIMORDIAL, the semi acoustic grinding riffs that resolves in a distorted ones and the amazing voice of Nemtheanga. The closer of the album "Death Of The Gods" must be mentioned here too, absolutely my favorite of the record. It is a fantastic melodic peace, perhaps a typical closer of an album and also the longest one of the album. And then again, there's absolutely nothing to complain about in the performance from the musicians of this album.

It is of course flawless playing as always. PRIMORDIAL still have that furious drive and Pagan feel in the music, with the folksy influenced melodic riffs and passages all spiced up with the atmospheric elements of Black Metal. And perhaps this even rawer in one way, when it comes to the vocals, the backing vocals are extremely harsh and evil. So yes, this album really gives a diverse impression. I've never had this hard to decide whether I like an album or not. Of course, this is a great album, maybe a better expression is if it shall qualify into this years top ten or not. I still can not decide. Luckily I still have months to decide that. But if you like PRIMORDIAL you will absolutely like this one too.