by Martin Cermak

One of the texts was written by W.B.Yeats. Why did you choose just this poet, does his poetry have some special meaning for you?

- Yeats has always been an inspiration and Artistic influence upon us. We have talked for several years about the possibility of putting one of his poems to music and now the time felt right. I think we are doing his legacy justice.

Choose please one text from your newest album, your most favourite one, which expresses in the best way your emotions, feelings, thoughts, and try to present his message.

- Difficult to choose one, let us choose the track "Cast to the Pyre" as this song is perhaps te most personal on the album. It is really about letting go of something, of someone. Even though it can bring you nothing but pain it is something you have to do to move on in your life. Leaving behind unhealthy obsessions.

Btw, why don´t you use the very nice Irish (celtic) language for singing?

- We have done in the past and may do indeed again in the future, there has been no decision not to use it.

The title Storm Before Calm is some concrete metaphore? What did you mean by the storm? Some moments in the life, in the history?

- It can be seen as a challenge to willpower, a challenge to sweep away stagnation, re-evaluate your morals. It states...choose now whether to be at the Heart of the Storm or be swept away by it. The albums concept is really about history.

Can you tell me something about your sources, where you search for the musical inspiration? Where do you find the ideas? Is the Irish folklore an important source for you?

- We really just do as we feel and try not to analyse it too much. Of course our heritage, culture and folklore is very important for us. we are inspired and influenced by passionate music as a whole.

Do you think that the new album is you best one so far? If you compare it with your previous recordings, in which moments do you think the new material is better, improved? Does the music on Storm Before Calm express exactely the feelings that you wanted to express?

- I dont know, there are things I like about all of them that are different to each other of course. The sound on the new album is the best we have achieved so far, a better drum sound etc. At each period in time the music we make reflects the state of the band at that time.

Ireland is a very christianized land with the cult of St.Patrick and very powerful catholic church, but you have also a very strong celtic-pagan tradition. Do you reflect in your music and texts this contrast between the pagan and christian world?

- The church is not really powerful here anymore, all the sex abuse scandals of the last 10-12 years have undermined its power and it has no real relevance anymore. Especially not to city life here in Dublin. We reflect conflict and moral issues of course. Religion is a source of inspiration for lyrical themes etc. There is always the conflict between the natural and unnatural within Primordial.

Do you use some elements of the celtic mythology in your text? Something from the Mabinogi (Mabinogon) myths?

- Never heard of this myth? There are elements of Celtic myth and legend of course.

Ireland is divided into two parts. Ulster and Irish republic. How is your personal view (as citizens of Ireland) of this conflict, do you see some chances for the reunion of Ireland?

- I think politics are moving in the direction of a united Ireland and have been for the last 10 years. Perhaps in 25 years it will happen. I dont really want to get too into Irish politics.

Are you proud for your nationality? What does it mean for you to be a citizen of Ireland? Do you feel strong your celtic roots?

- Of course, we are fiercly proud of our land and our culture and heritage. I feel proud to be part of a country that has a great literary and artistic tradition, a country that has fought for its independence and struggled hard a country that is one of the most influential and famous in the world considering how small it is...many things.

What do you mean of so called Irish nationalism. Does the word nationalism the negative or the positive meaning for you?

- Certain people have made nationalism a dirty word. I am not interested in knee jerk political correctness. It is important to know your history and where you stand within it. Honour your ancestors and feel proud of your country and it's legacy and traditions.

And in the same time, don´t you have fear, that the unification of Europe through the European community can kill the traditions, the national identity, culture etc...? What do you think about the EC?

- It will in some respects but I think there are people who will be unified to resist against this loss of identity.

Did it improve your standards of living, do you feel to be more rich? In my oppinion it helped your country a lot regarding the economical force... but as for culture? And how do you like to pay with Euro?...:-)

- It has helped ireland a lot but we have had to prostitute our culture to achieve many things. Most people have no idea what our heritage and culture is anymore. Not in the city anyway.

Which are the conditions for the musicians in Ireland? Is it possible to earn money by playing metal music? Could you describe the nowadays Irish UG scene the fans, the press, the support? (Me, I know only Cruachan and Primordial)

- No you cannot make a living, very few bands in the worldwide Metal scene can make a living. The scene here is small and close knit, with many good people working hard to try and make a more positive Metal scene. Watch out for a band called Mourning Beloveth.

OK, we are in the end of this interview, I would like to thank you very much for your patience and answers, wish you a nice day and good luck with your band! If you want to add something, you can here!

- Thanks for your support, hope to see our Czech Brothers and Sisters someday... Stay Strong.