PrimitivePrimitive EP

The power, excitement and sheer force of the New Wave of American heavy metal (NWOAHM) was a blip on the radar. It was a time that won’t be matched, but it sure as hell inspired a lot of acts to produce quality tunes then, now, and in the future.

MORE: Listen to Hard Noise episode #32 featuring Cradle Of Filth here.

Roaring out of the grimy lanes of Melbourne town, Primitive may not be the most unique thing to arrive on the scene, but if their self-titled EP is anything to go by, they sure as hell unleash a heavy jab.

Evident from opener Carved In Stone is the enormous influence of the aforementioned NWOAHM bands, namely Lamb Of God and Trivium. These four songs, being the first four that the band put to paper, are based around the steamrolling grooves of those former juggernauts. Flavours of the latter rear their head in the form of melodic guitar lines and harmonised leads.

“A tightening of the screws is the next logical step forward for the band’s musical development, but for a first outing, there is definitely something to like here.”

Everything on this EP has been done before in some respect, but the sensitive combination of these two sub-genres makes for a fun surprise.

The guitar work is both catchy and menacing, with opener and Black Blood producing an impressive collection of riffs. Coupled with a tight rhythm section and guttural growls of frontman Tim Gauci, Primitive have all the ingredients for a familiar but tasty dish of contemporary metal.

What lets this EP down however, is the overcooking of these songs. They often overstay their welcome and drag towards the back end. The energy is plentiful, but cuts like A Thousand Faces start well enough before stalling in making their point.

Given that these are an opening collection of songs from the practice shed, Primitive have the potential to amass a loyal following Down Under and help keep the post-nu metal tradition of riffs and groove alive. A tightening of the screws is the next logical step forward for the band’s musical development, but for a first outing, there is definitely something to like here.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Carved In Stone, Black Blood
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Lamb Of God, Shadows Fall, Trivium