by Wouter

For people that don't know you, how would you describe your own music?

- Irish Dark Metal is the best way.

The album has many influences. I also hear many influences of Opeth (for example, track 2: “Fallen to Ruin”). I have seen the Hailz-list but I don't see Opeth on your list. Why is that?

- What? Do you know how long this band has been in existence? Years before Opeth even? We have absolutely NO influence from Opeth whatsoever? I don't hear that at all. I don't know them, we've never played with them. I don't listen to them, I saw them live, it bored me? Primordial was influenced originally by Bathory, Iron Maiden, Venom, Candlemass, Celtic Frost, Black Sabbath and bands like that.

I've read that you've used a poem of William Butler Yeats and dedicated the song to him. He is a typical Irish writer. We know that you come from Ireland, but why is William Butler Yeats so important to you?

- There is nothing typical about William Butler Yeats at all. Yeats has been a very important influence and inspiration to all of us. You should probably read some.

I've noticed you are inspired by the folklore of Ireland. Is there a special reason why you use folklore in your music? Does it have a special meaning to you?

- Well it is our history, our culture and ingrained within us. Ireland inspires and influences us no end. Asking an Irish person why they are influenced by Irish culture is a sort of redundant question dont you think?

That brings us to the next question: I've noticed that you have used Gaelic in one song on "Imrama". Have you ever thought using Gaelic in your lyrics again?

- I have, and may do in the future, but haven't found the right moment to over the last few years. Perhaps on the next album.

According to the new album, the first track (“The Heretics Age”) is the most aggressive and fastest song on the album. It differs a lot comparing it to the rest of the album. Can you explain why the rest of the album is more melodic and easier to listen to? Does the title of the album have anything to do with it?

- For me all the songs are connected musically, I can't see how “The Heretics Age” is that different to the rest of the album personally. I dont think the rest of the album is more melodic or easier to listen to personally so I can't really answer the question.

Every track has its own subscription. What reason did you have for doing it?

- I'm not sure what you mean by subscription? If you mean the notes that go with each track. Its just something for the people who wish to scratch beneath the surface of the band and get something more out of it.

Like I said, this album varies very much. What improvements did you make with this new album for you personally?

- The sound is more focused, the drum sound is far better and there are some new singing styles on there as well. Overall its more aggressive but that's something different.

Which bands do mostly influence the music you make today?

- We arent really influenced by other bands, we never really wished to sound like other bands. But the bands who you could say influence us are the bands that did in the beginning... Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Venom, Celtic Frost, Candlemass, Bathory, Manowar etc...

I've noticed that your lyrics are mainly historical and describe a certain period of time. Haven't you ever thought about using another, maybe more recent, era? For example, do you think that work of James Joyce could suit the atmosphere of your music?

- Not really...the lyrics have a resonance for todays age, they are not simply tales of a bygone era or a romantic view of the past. They mirror many things.

If you had to put your music in some category, which one would it be and why?

- Heavy Metal. Dark Irish metal.

Now that the album is finished, are you satisfied with it? Do you want to change something on the album?

- You always can see things you want to change or that could be done better. That is something that always make you strive harder for next time.

Do you have any plans with the band after this album? Are you gonna change your style or are you going to experiment on different directions?

- We dont change, we evolve as far as I am concerned. We follow our natural path as always. we'll see what the future holds.