Primordial Black – Dark Matter Manifesto Review

The moment the listener hits the play button, they are welcomed by the hauntingly brief introduction of Profondo Nero, setting the tone for the subsequent track, Master Lecrimarum, along with the other five pieces that follow.

As the audience immerses themselves in the realm of Primordial Black and their album, Dark Matter Manifesto, a seven-track odyssey spanning thirty minutes, it efficiently intertwines fierce black and death metal with ethereal and mesmerizing soundscapes. The album is inspired by literary giants like H.P. Lovecraft, John Milton, Clive Barker, and John Dee, while also echoing the influences of bands such as Celtic Frost, Mgła, Rotting Christ, and Sepultura.

Primordial Black and their album, Dark Matter Manifesto, have this strong feeling of exploration of darkness and existential themes, aiming to create a “disconcerting, hypnotic, and addictively dark ambiance.” The band’s name reflects this vision, representing the primordial essence of darkness. Their lyrics delve into themes of death, history, literature, and eldritch horrors, drawing from a diverse range of influences to craft their unique sound. This unique sound is characterised by a fusion of atmospheric elements and heavy instrumentation, which together create a sonic landscape that invites listeners to confront their deepest fears and curiosities. 

As the listener navigates through the haunting melodies and intricate rhythms, listeners are transported into a world where the boundaries between reality and the unknown blur, challenging perceptions and igniting a profound introspection. Dark Matter Manifesto is a dark fruit of art, with a well-divined composition and arrangement – both instrumental and musical – and delivered by this fruit of art devilmanship. This production encapsulates a flawless sound, meticulously capturing every note, chord, atmosphere, and breath. Yet, beyond the impeccable production and artistry, the journey and vision of Primordial Black is not theirs to claim alone…

Yasser Mahammedi Bouzina, the visionary behind the band, takes charge of the rhythm guitar, dedicating himself to creating ‘icy and lethal melodic phrasing’—those straightforward yet infectious patterns that form the backbone of their music. Meanwhile, lead guitarist and bassist, Walid Chaaben introduces a unique flair, drawing inspiration from Polish black metal, which infuses dissonant and melodic elements that enrich the band’s haunting and mesmerizing sound. His bass lines lsays down robust bass lines that support the complex guitar arrangements and deepen the overall auditory experience of the band.

Selim Bouladi’s thunderous drumming blends technical precision with thrash and tribal elements. His dynamic and organic drumming captures this raw energy, that is infused in the music and sound. Furthermore, to add depth and a key component to their atmospheric and experimental sound are synths, and programming. These elements are primarily handled by Yasser Mahammedi Bouzina, the band’s founder, who is also responsible for vocals and rhythm guitar. The listener will find electronic textures, ambient layers, and structural sequencing.

At the same time, the synth, and programming are not used for industrial or electronic dominance but rather to create unsettling, hypnotic atmospheres. This supports their lyrical and thematic focus on existential dread, historical mysticism, and eldritch horror. For Yasser’s vocals, characterised by a deep, cavernous tone that aligns with the band’s dark and oppressive atmosphere. 

When I refer to the aforementioned path or vision of Primordial Black, it is not solely theirs… This journey is enriched by the presence of additional devilmanship guests who contribute layers to the music. The fourth track, Sowing Discord, showcases the formidable Athanasios ‘Sakis’ Tolis, a remarkable collaboration with the frontman of Rotting Christ. The final piece features Maxime Taccardi, an artist renowned for his blood-based creations and his involvement in various black metal and avant-garde projects such as K.F.R., Osculum Serpentis, Saturnian Tempel, and Kyuketsuki.

Overall, this is no mere album; it is an offering. A wound torn open to the void. A ritual born of dread, desire, and defiance. What you hear are not songs, but echoes, fragments of something ancient. We speak in tongues forged by isolation, haunted by intrusion, pulled toward the gravitational well of death and the madness that festers beyond the veil. [Primordial Black]

The album closes with the closing piece, Din of Thy Celestial Birds, a haunting closer featuring avant-garde elements. We would like to thank Primordial Black for letting us review his new album, Dark Matter Manifesto. We will wrap it up by discussing the final three sins and concluding the review.