21.05.2025 Primordial

Graspop Metal Meeting

Dessel (Belgium)

It was still very warm, so after Sylosis I stayed in the shady Marquee tent. With Primordial, things shifted stylistically into even harsher territory. They are one of the pioneers of Celtic Metal, blending black and pagan metal with folk influences, and have been spreading their message since 1987. What’s remarkable is that despite nearly 40 years of history, the lineup has barely changed.
Singer Alan Averill (also known as Naihmass Nemtheanga) entered the stage wearing a monk‑like top and corpse paint. The varied set, drawn mostly from their older albums, captivated the audience from the very first notes. The dark lighting and Averill’s sweeping, theatrical gestures amplified the atmosphere beautifully. His bandmates kept a lower profile, but the constant shifts in tempo made the entire performance feel dynamic and engaging. During “To Hell Or The Hangman” from the 2018 album "Exile Amongst The Ruins", Nemtheanga placed a noose around his neck, freezing the mood instantly and sending chills down everyone’s spine. In front of the stage, the crowd listened in reverent silence rather than forming circle pits or crowd‑surfing. After only about 40 minutes, the show came to an end with “Empire Falls” from the 2007 album "To The Nameless Dead", and Primordial left the stage to loud applause.
A thoroughly cohesive performance that was genuinely enjoyable. The singer’s theatrical presence, combined with the varied songwriting and fitting lighting design, made for an impressive experience. Even if their music isn’t the most immediately accessible, these veterans are absolutely worth checking out, whether on CD or streaming, but ideally live, where their songs become even more powerful.