One of a handful of Irish black metal bands making some noise in recent years, Primordial has developed a rather intriguing sound on their later works. While black metal guitars are the dominant feature, the overall style is more laidback and epic, with sprawling, slower riffs and inventive pounding drumming and vocals that rarely are of the typical black metal variety, but are more often a clean, midrange croon (predominantly on Spirit The Earth Aflame) or a slightly huskier growl (on Storm Before Calm). The melodies, at times slightly Celtic-laced, are spirited, sweeping and majestic -- excellent and fairly unique. Having just signed to Metal Blade, the best may be yet in store.