Within the Black Metal sphere there are many very prolific artists who have created massive catalogues in their lifetime. In recent years more like-minded artists have cropped up and one who has really stood out is Primordial Serpent. Since 2020, Mastermind Geoff Coran has amassed a huge discography under Primordial Serpent that is pretty much all killer no filler. In 2021 the second full-length ‘Ancient Myths and Legends’ was released and man it is a gem!
Right off the bat, the cover art is great and depicts the sonic sagas that are housed within this record. ‘Ancient Myths and Legends’ is a fantastic retelling of the classic mid-paced pagan Black Metal sound with a healthy dose of Viking Metal riff writing. Songs are packed with a familiar, heavy Black Metal drive and jaunty riffs that are dynamic enough to keep things interesting within each track. On the songs ‘Gnawing at the Roots of Yggdrasil’ and ‘He Who Dwells in the Marshes’ there are huge guitar solos toward the end that are a real treat to the ears but don’t overstay their welcome.
The production is the perfect amount of raw and a little bit improved in overall compared to the previous full-length, ‘Ascension of the Dark Age’, which is also a very good release. The tone leans more toward the darker, heavier second wave sound that uses very full guitar tones and low-end heavy drums that are absolutely pummeling.
‘Ancient Myths and Legends’ is a masterful release within Primordial Serpent’s rapidly expanding discography. Even four years and nine full lengths later, this record stands out both visually and sonically.
