PRIMORDIAL / Spirit the Earth Aflame (2000)

StEA taps the same vein as A Journey's End (1998) did before it, a vein that connects with and feeds from the lifeblood of nature itself. The result is a flowing, pulsing musical intention capable of supporting the aggressive mourning that manifests in Nemtheanga's transition from clean vocals to screechy rasps; as he sings of bygone days, we share in the affecting pangs of loss.
The Black Metal influences are never far from the surface but they've been made to fit Primordial's template, not the other way around.

Songs of Note: Gods to the Godless; The Burning Season

4½ glorious dawns out of 5