For someone who hasn’t heard your music, how would you describe it and what song would you play for them?
I think heavy metal should be enough by now and probably Empire Falls or something from the new album.
You’re seventh album ‘Redemption at the Puritan’s Hand’ has been out for about two months now, how is it going?
It's going well. We need to get out and tour some more after the summer festivals but so far so good. The reaction has been great, the shows have been strong and there is growth from the last album.
You describe this record as the ‘death’ album – was this the attitude/concept you took with you when you made the record, or did it happen naturally?
Everything happens naturally. This just happens to be the what I was thinking and writing about between the last album and this one. Nothing is planned and mapped out it just happened this way. I became quite interested in faith, mortality, religion and death so it all makes sense after a while.
How have you changed as a band since your first record?
Of course. We are older. We have evolved as musicans and people. I think we have kept the spirit of the band strong and you can hear it's the same band as back in '91 but you need to progress as a human being as well. That said however, I don't find anything limited at all. We just do as we please. Same as ever.
What’s your opinion of the current metal scene? Do you think it’s as powerful as it was twenty years ago?
Where? In which country? Nothing is as big as it used to be in the '80s and in the future being a musician for a living is going to be a nightmare but right now metal has learnt to survive fine and well without mainstream support. Nearly all of Europe's biggest music festivals are metal and rock festivals. The next 5 to 10 years will be interesting. When all the old huge bands retire and no one selling any records anymore.
What’s a new talent that you think deserves a plug?
Darkest Era from Northern Ireland are worth a mention for sure.
What can fans expect from your live shows? Do you prefer being on tour or being in the studio?
Studio I find generally boring. I work in short sharp bursts of energy. I dont have that much patience to sit around all day going over the same thing. So touring is my reward for putting up with that. Live shows should be intense, passionate and powerful.
What do you find is the most difficult part of writing/recording?
Finding new ways of arranging the same words. I don't know really. We aren't in the cycle of recording every year so we have some more space and time compared to other bands.
How did it feel winning the ‘Best Underground Band’ award at Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in June?
It was cool. A little odd for someone like me and a band like us but great because it was a public vote not an industry award.
‘Redemption at the Puritan’s Hand’ is essentially about growing older and accepting death – what have you learned growing up in the industry?
In the industry? That every c**t without any talent will try and leach off those with talent and take advantage of them.
Describe your writing style- what inspires you? You mentioned the book ‘Steppenwolf’ by Hermann Hesse as the inspiration for one song on the record...
Could be anything. Mainly travelling, meeting people, new countries and experiences. Last few years, as I said, it's been people's faith and devotion.
What do you love to create artistically (other than music)? What inspires you?
I paint things. I havent the temperament for photoshop. I dont create much really. I coordinate all the art for primordial and source the images and come up with ideas but that's something different.
Finally, what is next for Primordial?
Summer festivals, travelling and then hopefully more touring.
