Changes in the band's recording philosophy have led to a number of improvements (not to imply any prior recordings sounded inept, mind you). "Where Greater Men Have Fallen" takes a contemporary viewpoint, bringing the instrumental background to a spike. The riffs are heavier than ever, and the rhythm section has its most profound impact since the birth of Primordial. The title track does wonders in igniting the band's newfound vigor with sharp, heavy riffs and the militaristic march of booming snares following the bombastic product. Structurally, black metal riffs and folk themes that are commonplace among the Primordial tribe remain naturally engrained among the heavier guitar parts and flourishing background, which together make "Where Greater Men Have Fallen" a Primordial album from head to toe. Nothing that made this group a titan has been lost, only enhanced.

Yet never has a Primordial record seen such depth on the songwriting spectrum. "Babel's Tower," taking the torch from the title track's old-fashioned Primordial fare, sets up dissonant, atmospheric riffs as links to a lingering moody keep, which eventually builds up to a tremendous guitar solo to put the eight-minute beast to rest. "Ghosts of the Charnel House" employs an accessible groundwork of rocking riffs and a soaring chorus to change things up, but given the translation of Primordial's essence, it falls not a centimeter short of spectacular. Epic sonnets like "Come the Flood" and "Born to Night" are remarkable tracks, their vigorous, multilayered parts ebbing in and flowing out without friction, not one lost in translation. Four songs in and they drop the blasting rampage of "The Seed of Tyrants," Primordial at its heaviest.

Bassist P�l MacAmlaigh and drummer Simon O'Laoghaire are heaved up front and center thanks to the robust production; their performances have never enriched Primordial to this large of a degree. Alan Averill is, of course, an absolute mammoth behind the mic, sticking more to the grit of his clean vocals than his harsher barks, which only pop up every now and then. When getting down to the meat and potatoes of "Where Greater Men Have Fallen," Primordial has beaten itself at its own game. The Celtic-infused numbers it presents are brazen, perceptive, keen, and heroically delightful to experience. Looking at the mastery of "To the Nameless Dead" and "Spirit the World Aflame," it is safe to say "Where Greater Men Have Fallen" has rightfully wedged its way among the heirs to the throne.